Gaining the ability to be totally honest with yourself is an important part of recovery. You probably recognize on some level that your substance abuse is negatively affecting you, but you might be surprised by the effects it’s having on virtually every aspect of your life. Taking a closer look at these effects is often a helpful motivational tool toward recovery.
It only affects me… right?
You already know that your substance abuse affects you negatively– this is obvious when you wake up with a hangover, or when you’re struggling to figure out the next time you’ll be able to use.
But what you might not realize is that your addiction affects others, too. When substance abuse is your top priority, it’s inevitable that other relationships in your life will fall by the wayside.
Even if you haven’t experienced any conflict as a result of your substance abuse, your relationships are probably undergoing at least a little strain. For example, if you’re on a date with your significant other but your first priority is making sure a drink is in your hand at all times, you’re not truly paying attention to your partner– and your connection can suffer as a result of that inattention.
If you have kids, the ups and downs that accompany substance abuse aren’t going unnoticed by them. If you’re not feeling well and cancel a planned family event, or even if you’re not fully present while spending time with them on a daily basis, they’re almost definitely noticing the disconnect.
Financial troubles
Substance abuse carries the potential for major financial destruction. If you’re struggling with addiction, chances are good that finding your substance of choice is a very high priority for you– and you’ll make sure that you can get your hands on it, regardless of cost.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a moral matter or a negative indication of your character– substance abuse and financial problems don’t make you a bad person.
Becoming aware of the financial impact of your substance abuse is a helpful step toward recovery; even simply checking out your finances on a daily basis might give you some insight into just how much money you’re really spending to support your habit.
Changes in behavior
Because of the financial strain that substance abuse might be causing in your life, you might find yourself seeking money in ways you would never have previously considered. It’s an unfortunate truth that people struggling with substance abuse and addiction often have to resort to unethical or illegal means of getting money.
If you’ve had to gamble, sell drugs, or steal in order to fund your habit, you’ve most likely already recognized that this is a serious problem.
These behaviors can get you in trouble with the law, which could result in prison time or heavy fines. If you’ve stolen money or valuables from loved ones, they also carry a major risk of destroying your relationships.
So what am I supposed to do?
Taking an honest look at the ways in which substance abuse is affecting your life is a very important first step in addressing the problem.
Honesty and self-awareness can go a long way, but your chances of a healthy and happy recovery dramatically increase when you seek professional help. Pecan Haven is an addiction recovery center with a full staff of experienced nurses, doctors, and counselors who can help you confront your struggles head-on– so you can enjoy a happier, healthier life with your family and loved ones.
We’re here to help! Give us a call or complete our online assessment form to get started.