Why substance abuse leads to depression and anger...
Substance abuse has been responsible for the destruction of millions of lives all over the world.
It has destroyed careers, reputations, lives & families. It remains the number one destructive
force in society.
People usually relate substance abuse with the use of drugs like marijuana and cocaine. People have outgrown
marijuana and have resorted to other substances like Ecstasy, alcohol and any others that money can buy.
The number of people becoming victims of substance abuse has grown by millions. It exists at every social and
economical level.
Youth, alcohol & drugs
Among the sector particularly susceptible to substance abuse are the young. Teens and Young adults who have not
yet matured enough to become responsible members of society are being corrupted by substance abuse.
Even more mature, so-called decent people with good reputations and who have made names for themselves have
become enslaved by this abuse. These people believe they are doing this for fun or for simple pleasure, not
knowing that they are already destroying their careers, their lives and their families.
Long spiral downward
Substance abuse is a menace to society because it does not only ruin the person who is prone to abusing
substances. This malady has also ruined relationships and the lives of countless people who have made
contact with the abuser. Substance abuse is, in fact, destroying the very core of the family unit.
A person who is abusing any substance is prone to anger because he can no longer control his vice.
This anger will reverberate to the closest friends, loved ones and beyond. The abuser will eventually
experience bouts of depression and self pity until he can no longer control his emotions.
At some point, anger and depression become so intense that the abuser will think that everyone is against him.
Some abusers resort to violent means in getting what they want. Some abusers can no longer bear the
anger and the loneliness and they go so far as to commit suicide.
Support from family or friends is critical
Substance abusers need very supportive family and friends to keep them on track. However, some family members
will reach a point in their lives when they can no longer deal with the abuser. There is always hope.
Those concerned should immediately discuss the problem with an expert so they would know what to do and what
to expect from the abuser. This way they will not compound the problem.
Abusing any substance can lead to a temporary high but it will ultimately lead to self destruction. It is easier
to break they cycle early on, but better still to resist anything that is even remotely related to substance abuse.
It is never easy to help a substance abuser nor is it easy for a substance abuser to help himself.
There will always be sacrifices, trade offs and even regrets. However, nothing is impossible if the abuser and
his family are determined to get him back from the clutches of addiction.
NEXT: Teaching children and teens how to control anger
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