Alcohol addiction and substance abuse have a great impact on mental health as it causes changes to the body and the brain. The longer an addiction continues, the more stress is put on an individual’s mental health. This results in overwhelming long-term physical and psychological effects that can turn a healthy person into a frail shadow.
If you or anybody you know is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, then get in touch with Detox to Rehab. This is a community with a directory of top rehab centers in the US that helps individuals overcome any kind of addiction that they are struggling with. Zucker Hillside Hospital in Hyde Park, NYis one rehab center that provides behavioral health care to addicted individuals with inpatient facilities, treatments, and counseling. Their goal is to promote wellness and reintegrate those individuals in their care back into the community to socialize, attend school, work, be independent and lead a happy life.
Psychological effects of addiction
Alcohol and drug addiction affect the serotonin and dopamine hormones that affect your mood and mental health.
Anxiety
Anxiety develops in an individual when they perceive dangers that are not present. It affects both physically and mentally with these symptoms:
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Tension
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Insomnia
Depression
Symptoms are:
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Weight loss or gain
- Suicidal tendencies
Paranoia
Addiction to some drugs can cause paranoia and individuals might even feel shame or guilt about their substance abuse. Continuous talking negatively about oneself may add to depressive feelings.
An individual addicted to alcohol or drugs feels a sense of comfort that they have not been able to get anywhere else. Treatment programs help them to understand the repercussions of their unhealthy addiction so that they find new mechanisms to cope with their underlying issues in therapy.
