There is a common misconception that addicts are extremely unstable people. While it’s true to some extent that addiction may lead to instability, that’s not the case with everyone. However, the chemicals you consume start having detrimental effects on you as your body becomes too dependent on the substances you consume, and there comes the point where staying sober is no longer an option.
The short-term problems caused by substance abuse are fixable. However, long-term issues are far more severe and can result in serious repercussions. So if you know anyone or you’re struggling with addiction, find help. Even though you may feel good now, the aftermath is not worth it. Here’s how addiction takes over your emotional well-being:
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It Leaves You Aggravated
Substance abuse is a form of escapism, while people have different reasons why they get into substances. Anyone using substances starts feeling euphoric, removing all the bodily pain go away, and feel immensely relaxed. The more substances you abuse, the greater the feelings become. But once you stop and get out of the substance-induced stupor, everything comes crashing down. You feel intense emotions all at once. Simultaneously your body is trying to push out these substances from your body. You may feel angry, sad, and even depressed or feel agitated and restless. Once these symptoms are not manageable, you need to check into rehab before the situation escalates. Moreover, institutes such as the Serenity at Summit are excellent in helping you get the guidance you need.
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You Get Mood Swings
Mood swings and indecisiveness are two separate entities. Most mood swings can stem from substance abuse, make you happy, and then abruptly switch to anger. Sometimes the emotions you feel can get so intense because of your mood and make you violent. You can end up hurting yourself and those around you. Mood swings can also make you irrational, and you may end up insulting or taunting someone else, which can come back to you. Since your emotional state is already fragile in most cases, you won’t tolerate a taunt back. There are cases of misdemeanor that can result from a matter of a mood swing.
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You May Feel Isolated
Isolation comes from an intense feeling of disconnect. You may feel alone and rejected by society, even if that’s not the case. Substances tend to amplify how you view yourself. Sometimes these emotions have a bearing, while other times, they do not. However, people do tend to stay away from you if you abuse substances too much. It’s not you that’s the problem, instead of how you act under the influence. Isolation impacts you significantly. You may feel unneeded and useless. Sometimes the emotions you think are far too great, and you may contemplate self-harming. Isolation can also invite depression into your life. Since you already feel like a social outcast, you may outcast society more.
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Feelings Of Anxiety
When substances leave your system, you get a feeling of anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body reacts strongly. You start sweating profusely, and your heart may start pounding. In extreme cases, you can even begin overthinking scenarios and act on them. High levels of anxiety also take a toll on your physical well-being. Your appetite goes away, and you’re constantly on edge. You also may not know what to do with those around you and may lash out at them. Anxiety can lead to a vicious cycle. To avoid feeling anxious for long, you may jump back to using substances. So the process of substance abuse continues.
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Intense Feelings Of Paranoia
Paranoia is a feeling that the people around you may get you. You start distrusting those around you and become hyper-aware of everyone. Your awareness also includes people who are strangers. You start assuming that they’re also trying to hurt you in some way. Feelings of paranoia make you irrational. You come with stories and details that are not true. However, no one can convince you otherwise. Since you start having a hard time trusting people, you choose not to communicate. When you purposely keep people out, it goes back to feeling isolated and alone. But the feeling of paranoia is so strong that you may continue shutting people out. Once again, any strong emotions you feel can push you back on substances.
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Thoughts About Self Harm
If you think about hurting yourself, that is a serious notion. Self-harm is dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences. No one chooses to hurt themselves unless their emotional well-being is not well actively. You can also accidentally hurt yourself while you’re under the influence. Self-harm has varying degrees of abuse. You can choose to starve yourself. Put yourself in a dangerous situation, such as walking recklessly on a busy street. In extreme cases, you would want to inflict injury on yourself. Substances can amplify what you feel and think. Substances have the power of leaving you numb. So under a substance-induced haze, you may not even realize you’ve hurt yourself. However, thoughts about self-harm are dangerous. It is why intervention is necessary to prevent it from happening. The unfortunate reality behind self-harm is you may not even know why you’re doing it.
Wrap Up
Substance abuse has lasting effects on your body. While you may feel suitable for a while, it’s not worth putting your health at risk. The lingering effects you have emotionally are enough to make you do something drastic. You may start feeling intense bouts of paranoia, anxiety, and even isolation. Strong and intense emotions like these can harm the way you behave and think. You start shunning people around you and push yourself into deeper despair. It also keeps you in a vicious cycle of abusing substances. So unless you get appropriate help at the right time, you can end up hurting yourself severely.
