As you grow up, adults will often caution you about addiction. You might be wondering why this is such an extreme concern. You should know that addictions are very serious, and they can have a major impact on your life.
It Ruins Your Health
No matter what the addiction may be, it can lead to associated health problems. For example, smoking can lead to lung cancer. Certain drugs can also lead to some nerves becoming damaged over time. Loss of nerve cells as well as being intoxicated can lead to impaired judgment, which may then lead to accidents and risky behavior. You may also develop other serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. In addition to directly related diseases, you can also put yourself at risk for communicable diseases. Drugs that are injected by needles are a common cause of the spread of diseases such as HIV. In order to avoid all this, you should be aware of the signs of addiction including bloodshot eyes, sudden weight changes, enlarged or small pupils, and poor physical condition.
It Will Cost Your Opportunities
The important thing to understand about addiction is it will consume much of your life. When you are addicted to a substance, that becomes your priority. It can greatly impact your finances because it is very expensive to keep up with an addiction. Additionally, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol impacts your behavior. You lose sleep, your overall performance decreases, and your attitude towards work changes. It can be difficult to keep your job or to get another one. An addiction can and will cost you a medical license, and there are other careers you won’t be eligible for either. For example, you can’t operate heavy machinery or any form of transportation if there is a risk you will be under the influence while at work.
You Risk Your Relationships
If one person in a relationship has an addiction, it can put a lot of strain on that relationship. It can go one of two ways. In some cases, the other person may enable the addiction or codependency may develop. This only makes the situation worse. On the other hand, the other person may end the relationship due to the difficulty the addiction has caused.
Addictions are serious. They can impact your health, relationships, and your future. It is a common concern for parents and adults to worry teenagers will develop an addiction. They can overtake one’s life so it’s best to avoid them.
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