What Is A Person’s Life Expectancy Without Rehab?

Addiction is a highly misunderstood disease that affects so many people. While there is so much social stigma surrounding addiction, it is a disease that requires treatment. The stigma around addiction can lead to a lack of treatment and even a delay in the recognition of the problem. 

Anything that prevents an addict from entering rehab for treatment endangers them. Addiction is a disease that wreaks havoc on one's overall wellbeing. It affects relationships, work, and the ability to function in daily life. Without treatment, addiction is not just dangerous, but potentially fatal. 

Addiction left untreated robs life in many different ways.

The Dangers of Addiction

The impacts of addiction on the user are more than simply being intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They go much deeper. When someone is addicted, it leads to continued use despite numerous consequences.

When someone puts their drug or alcohol use above their loved ones, responsibilities, and health, it always results in a poor outcome.

In fact, there was a study done of male narcotic addicts over the course of 33 years. It was determined that the average life expectancy of them was 18.84 years less than the 33.48 years for comparable males in the general population. Those results are staggering yet coincide with the effects of addiction.

There is no arguing that addiction leads to a lessened life expectancy. Whether due to overdose or accidents, addiction causes immense struggles. Some of the problems that can occur as a result of addiction include:

• Cancers and diseases caused by long-term drug or alcohol use
• Injury from accidents like motor vehicle collisions or falls due to intoxication 
• Overdose 
• Heart problems related to drug or alcohol use
• Exposure to contagious diseases and elements of addiction has led to homelessness or risky sexual behaviors
• Lack of hygiene due to continued intoxication
• Hallucinations due to withdrawal or drug-induced psychosis
• Depression and anxiety as a result of addiction and its consequences
• Loss of job and financial stability 
• Loss of relationships
• Legal troubles due to public intoxication, violence, or DUI
• Withdrawal symptoms 
• Suicide

Addiction always brings something brutal along with it. Whether that be life risks, personal struggles, or something else, addiction will always lead to negative impacts on one's life.

Although one may like to hope that all the effects of addiction are temporary, that is not always the case. With proper treatment and sobriety, people can recover and mend the damage that has been done. Without rehab, these problems tend to get worse and even become fatal.

When such events happen, the addiction can result in harmful effects on family and friends. Addictive behaviors like lying, irritability, blame, and even violence seep into one's family life and cause long-term conflicts.

Long-term drug or alcohol abuse reduces the length of your life and its quality. The only way to stop these consequences is to enter a detox and treatment center to start recovery. 

How Rehab Can Save You

One of the most complex parts of addiction is admitting this reality. It can be challenging for individuals to accept that they have a problem they cannot solve alone. Not only are they fighting the physical urges to continue to use, but also the mental ones that are often deeply ingrained within their psyche.

It can feel impossible for a person to come back from some of the mistakes they have made, but it can be helpful to remember that addiction is a treatable disease.

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires lifelong care and attention. Despite the damage it can cause, it can be managed successfully with the proper work.

Addiction treatment starts with a medical assessment, which leads to detox and starts an individual on the road to recovery. The goal is to treat the physical addiction through detox and medication. Treating the mental aspects through long-term therapy, counseling, and group meetings is vital as well. An addiction center is an ideal place to receive this kind of care.

Through a rehab program, an individual can improve their psychological functioning, ability to handle stress, and even learn how to address the possible causes of their addiction.

Without rehab, the risk of relapse increases, and so do the impacts of addiction. Receiving proper treatment and care helps people recover their own power from the addiction. Anyone can regain control over their life.

Lasting recovery is about continual care. Remaining active in treatment leads to a better chance at success even with relapse – a sober living home can help mitigate the risk of relapse. Relapse is not a failure, but only a setback. Many even consider experiencing a relapse to be an inevitable part of the recovery process. 

Addiction Does Not Go Away On Its Own

Addiction without rehab does not go away on its own. It does not last without effects. Addiction without rehab has immense consequences for the user and everyone around them. Whether someone is suffering from psychological issues, physical symptoms of addiction, or trouble with the law, addiction will never back off without help.

In most cases, without rehab and treatment, addiction becomes fatal in some way. Long-term substance abuse can lead to health problems, accidents, and overdoses. These effects are irreversible, so getting treatment as soon as you realize you have a problem is crucial.

You don’t want to lose 18 years of your life. Take your time back now and start searching for a detox center with DetoxNearMe.com. The internet’s largest directory of detox providers, our site will guide you to a detox provider which fits your needs and budget.

Start your search with DetoxNearMe.com today!