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The Effects of Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Although the drawbacks of alcohol and substance abuse are well-documented, many still struggle with these problems. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that between 2004 and 2007, nearly 10 percent of adults required treatment for substance abuse problems. Alcohol and substance abuse cause problems for you and those close to you, and the effects can last a lifetime.

  1. Liver Disease

    • Your liver processes alcohol to remove it from your system, and consuming large amounts of alcohol for extended periods of time can cause heavy stress on the organ. Liver disease caused by alcohol abuse can be life-threatening, and it may also cause a wide range of effects, such as nausea, hallucinations, jaundice, fatigue, fever and bloody bowel movements, among other effects.

    Brain Damage

    • Your liver is not the only organ that can be adversely affected by alcohol and substance abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that brain damage occurs as a result of alcohol use, and the more you drink, the more serious the consequences. Memory lapses, blackouts and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which impairs cognition and muscle coordination, may all result from alcohol abuse.

    Legal Trouble

    • Alcohol and substance abuse can both cause you to have legal problems. Abusing illegal drugs puts you at risk for arrest for drug possession. In addition, driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal. Alcohol abuse can also put you at risk for arrest, as drinking and driving is a crime. In addition, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that a survey found college students participated in illegal activities such as vandalism while intoxicated. Drugs and alcohol impair your judgment, so you may be more likely to commit crimes.

    Overdose

    • Consuming too many drugs and too much alcohol can lead you to overdose, which can result in lifelong impairments of your brain or other organs and, potentially, death. The longer you abuse drugs or alcohol, the more likely you are to overdose, as you will develop a tolerance and consuming increasingly large and potentially dangerous amounts.

    Financial Problems

    • Continuously buying drugs and alcohol can cause financial problems for you. Because addiction can convince you that getting high or drunk is more important than anything else, you may not make wise financial decisions and put your financial welfare in danger.

    Family Problems

    • Substance and alcohol abuse may cause problems within your family. You may neglect responsibilities because you are focused on obtaining drugs, leading to distress among your family members. In addition, substance abuse can be a contributing factor in child abuse and domestic violence.

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