What Are the Benefits of Substance Abuse Recovery?

Substance abuse is a disease that is difficult to overcome. Unlike other conditions like cancer or pneumonia, an addict has to make the conscious decision to get better and to deal with his substance abuse problem before you can recover. Although recovery is a challenging process, it comes with a number of benefits.

Physical

• No matter the substance you abuse, it is likely taking a toll on your body. Your physical appearance may have declined during drug abuse. You may have lost weight due to the effects of the drugs or through malnutrition as a result of your drug abuse. Not only may your physical appearance be affected, but your internal organs may have sustained serious damage from substance abuse. If you seek recovery, your body can begin to heal from that disease. If you are an intravenous drug user, you will also decrease your risk of contracting a deadly virus, such as HIV or hepatitis, by seeking substance recovery.

Emotional

• Though the physical effects of substance abuse are many, the emotional effects are quite substantial as well. In the course of an addiction, an addict may alienate friends and family. She may damage relationships beyond repair. Unfortunately, recovering from substance abuse will not automatically mend broken relationships, but attempting to get help can be seen as a positive step in the right direction, and in some cases begin the road to rebuilding a relationship.

Mental

• Substance abuse also has negative effects on the user's mental state. According to McLean Hospital psychiatrist David Brendel, substance abuse and depression are closely linked. If you seek recovery from your substance abuse, you may see your depression subside. Depression may be accompanied by anxiety and paranoia as well. Treatment for substance abuse may help these undesirable symptoms to diminish as well. Drug abuse also alters the brain chemistry. Though substance abuse recovery may not entirely revert your brain chemistry, over time you will lose some of your tolerance meaning that your brain chemistry is approaching normal.