Addictions - The Fallout

As bad as an addiction is for the person suffering, in many cases the effects on the addict's loved ones and even to society in general are serious and potentially life threatening themselves. Naturally, the fallout from each particular type of addiction is going to be different. Some consequences are worse than others. We're going to go over some of the more common addictions and the particular fallouts most common with them.

Gambling is an addiction that hits people in the pocketbook the hardest. Gamblers not only can't stop themselves from gambling but need to get as big a thrill from the chase as possible. In order to do that, they are not usually content with penny anti bets. They'll head to the casinos with a few thousand dollars in their hands. The take a trip to the race tracks with a hefty bankroll. And when they play the lottery, five dollars worth of tickets won't do it for them. Many will by hundreds of dollars worth of tickets at a time.

Unfortunately, the majority of these people don't make the kind of money they need to make in order to support their addiction. So they take out loans, hock items around the house and basically do whatever they have to do in order to satisfy their addiction. What this does to their loved ones is traumatic at worst. Many families end up in bankruptcy and out on the streets. Many times the spouse isn't even aware of the problem until it is too late. Financially, people's lives can be ruined forever.

Drinking presents a completely different problem. For an alcoholic, there is always a cheap bottle of booze to be had for the asking, so money is not usually the problem. However, if the alcoholic has a job and is the principal supporter of the family, his addiction may cause him to lose his job. Then it becomes a financial problem. But the bigger problem is how the alcoholic acts when he is drunk. Many alcoholics become abusive while under the influence. This many times leads to spousal abuse and broken marriages. In these cases, everyone connected to the family, the children, parents and friends, are all affected. Alcoholism is not an isolated disease.

Drug addicts probably have the greatest effect on those around them. Because drugs are for the most part illegal, unless they are of the prescription variety, drug addicts often end up associating with very unsavoury characters. Aside from the dealers on the streets, many drug addicts have to get involved with loan sharks and other criminals in order to be able to support their habit. Some even go as far as turning to a life of crime to get their next fix.

The number of ways this affects those around the addict are almost too numerous to even get into. In addition to the direct effects of the drug addicts erratic behavior, which is difficult enough for parents and friends to deal with, there is the criminal element which becomes so dangerous. Many families are put in danger or even killed because of the characters drug addicts hang out with. A disgruntled drug dealer who got cheated out of his share comes to the addict's house and extracts payment any way he can.

For those who think that an addict's problem is the addict's problem alone, the truth of the matter is that an addict's problem is everybody's problem.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Addictions" article category.

People interested in the above article "Addictions - The Fallout" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

Recovery is like Discipleship

Let’s say you did a “man on the street” survey of Americans and asked them what religion they practiced. Off the top of my head I would guess that well over half would say “Christian.” That response might take a few different forms, as many would respond “Catholic,” or “Lutheran,” or name some other denomination. Taking their response on face value, you then ask them if they are a disciple. A what? You might follow up and ask them if they have had any training beyond the confirmation or first communion that so many kids go through. Chances are they will say they have not, unless they went to a religious school.

Family Matters

Everybody knew that “Jerry” needed to get some help with his drinking. His routine of having a couple of drinks with the boys after work began to include several after dinner drinks as well. The change in him was gradual, but over time everybody knew something had to be done. Jerry had missed meetings with his daughter’s teacher, and had not attended a soccer game or dance recital in months.

Addiction Is Like Drowning!

The expressions on their faces reflect their experience of helplessness and fear, when people recall what it is like to come close to drowning. It’s difficult at best to try to imagine what near drowning is like for those of us who have not gone through that experience, but the frightening tales that are shared in our group discussion on spirituality and 12-Step bring a chilling illustration to our understanding of the first three steps.

7 Step Guide to Creating a Life of Substance Abuse

Don't read this article if you want to continue to believe that you are a victim of your substance addictions! While it is probable that no one consciously sets out to create a life of substance abuse, those who end up addicted to substances are choosing certain thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that will likely end up leading to some form of substance abuse - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, food, junk food, sugar, and/or caffeine.

Breakthrough Spiritual Research on the Root Cause of Addictions

Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. At a personal level, people’s lives are destroyed by their addictions and their loved ones also suffer the trauma from the negative ripple effect.

Addiction and Recovery - Addiction, A Suitable Case For Treatment?

Today most people take for granted that addiction is a condition that needs medical attention. However, it is only relatively recently that addiction has been treated by the medical profession at all.

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Relief with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic relief from addictions like drugs, alcohol, smoking and over eating helps people come back to enjoying their life without addictions to any harmful substances. Ayurveda is unique system of lifestyle that helps people lead healthy lives. Ayurvedic addiction recovery therapies work with the willpower of the person.