How do drugs and alcohol affect a person’s behavior? In many ways, physically and psychologically. A person’s brain is physically altered by drugs and this can make for behavioral changes ranging from depression to mood swings to violent behavior. When drugs and alcohol take over a person through an addiction, it takes over everything, their life, their finances, their emotions, their relationships, until there is nothing left that has not been touched in some negative way by the addiction.
Be prepared for embarrassment.
If your loved one is with you at an event and begins drinking heavily, be ready for their behavior to cause you some embarrassment and shame. This is actually quite common with loved ones of those addicted to drugs and especially to alcohol.
Be prepared to wonder what the day will bring.
Drugs alter a person so much that they can withdraw and be depressed, refusing to come out of their room or home. Your social life could very well go downhill as they refuses to do anything except take their drugs or drink.
Be prepared for possible violence.
The mood swings and paranoia that come with drug or alcohol addiction can spark domestic violence. This is the leading cause of domestic violence cases in the U.S. and Canada. The person’s behavior is out of control and it is time for you to think seriously about getting out of the situation before it escalates to something from which there is no turning back.
Depression is a serious side effect of drug and alcohol addiction.
Addiction is considered a major life problem because a person no longer has control over whether they takes the drugs or drinks and can only stop with professional care and treatment.
All of the symptoms associated with a behavioral problem can be treated and handled and should be honestly addressed when talking to an intake counselor. Remember that the person you cared about is still under there somewhere and getting your loved one and yourself help will bring that person back that much sooner. Just pick up the phone and a help line will get you the right care needed for the loved one in your life.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.