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There are many different faces of addiction. There are people with substance abuse problems in every walk of life. Denial is common among addicts. No one wants to admit that they have a drug problem, even if they do. If your family or friends have told you that you may have a substance abuse problem, then you likely do.

Inherited Risk

Drug addiction is a progressive disease. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. In fact, as much as 60 percent of your potential risk for developing a drug addiction is genetic. Your text to link…That means that you can inherit an increased tendency for this condition. It’s not your fault. If substance abuse is prevalent is your family, you should probably be careful when using a potentially addictive drug. However, at the end of the day, there’s really no way to be sure just what your genetic risk really is. The problem may be rampant in your family history, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you yourself have the faulty genes. It also doesn’t mean that you don’t. It’s only one reason that all drugs with addictive potential should be used only if necessary.

Signs of a Problem

Do you have a drug problem? One sure test to find out is to attempt to quit the drug on your own. If you can’t, you’re almost certainly addicted. Drug addiction will destroy you from the inside out. It will ruin your future. It will alienate you from everyone you care about. Other indications that you’re heading straight for a fall:

  • You’ve been arrested for a drug-related matter, even if it’s indirect, such as stealing for drug money
  • You’ve lost a job or dropped out or been expelled from school
  • You drive while under the influence of a substance
  • Your family and friends have expressed concern about your drug use and behavior
  • You have lost interest in things that used to matter a great deal to you
  • You’re broke due to money you spend on drugs
  • You engage in reckless, dangerous behavior to get your drug
  • You hide your drugs and use them secretly
  • You’re careless with your appearance, clothing and grooming
  • You experience unpleasant physical symptoms if you can’t get your drug

If you are unable to stop on your own, or if you see yourself in the above list, then you at least need to be evaluated for a substance abuse problem. Your best chance for success is to catch the problem while it’s in its early stages. As time goes on, the issue will become only more deeply ingrained into your life and psyche. Your brain chemistry will become more and more abnormal. Damage to your body, such as liver and heart damage from alcohol abuse, will become more and more severe. Almost without exception, the longer you have abused a substance, the harder it will be to overcome it and set everything right again.

You’re Risking your Health and Financial Future

Most people who abuse a substance also do something illegal that is related to it. Perhaps you visit more than one doctor, a practice known as doctor shopping. This is illegal in most states and you can be arrested for it. Maybe your drug of choice is illegal, such as heroin. This means you risk arrest, overdose and death every time you purchase it. Others may steal from stores or commit some other type of fraud in order to get money for more drugs. An arrest for a felony will make it nearly impossible to get a decent job in just about every state, because just about all employers do some kind of arrest record check before they will hire you.

Drugs Damage the Body and Brain

If you’re injecting drugs, you are risking your heart. Bacteria from non-pharmaceutical drugs not intended for injection can infect and destroy heart valves that pump blood throughout your body. Alcohol abuse can destroy the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and brain. If you use amphetamines, a single dose that’s too high can kill you on the spot. Remember, drugs purchased on the street don’t exactly have quality control. Even drugs that are supposed to be prescription ones can easily be counterfeit. Both buyers of so-called opioid prescription pills and heroin are at risk for fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid about 50 times more potent than heroin. When the buyer is unaware that it’s been substituted for, or added to, the drug they’re purchasing, death can easily result.

Seek Help

Protect your relationships, your future, your reputation and your health. It’s never too late to stop, but you must be willing to admit that you may need help. Go online and look for a professional drug addiction treatment center. Or you can find a drug help hotline. You don’t have to give your name. A trained counselor will speak to you and help you determine your best course of action. Call today, before it’s too late.