Chemical Dependency

Chemical dependency is a condition where a person has become dependent on the use of some substance foreign to the body in spite of significant damage that they may be inflicting on their bodies, spirits, relationships, work, personal finances, etc.

When thinking about chemical dependency, the things that come immediately to mind are alcohol, tobacco, or narcotics. However,a person can be addicted to other substances as well, such as pain pills, inhalants, or hallucinogens.
In many cases, people suffering from chemical dependency want to be free, but they lack the ability. Their bodies have come to require the substance and any attempts to quit result in withdrawal symptoms that may include (but are not limited to) anxiety, weight loss, insomnia, vomiting or nausea, tremors, sweating, headache, etc.

Chemical Dependency Statistics

Consider the following statistics from the year 2014, as taken from the American Addiction Centers website (https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics/):

• More than 21.5 million Americans over age 12 were addicted.
• Nearly 80% of those addicted were addicted to alcohol.
• Over 7 million Americans struggled with drug addiction.
• Nearly 13% of addicts in America struggled with both drugs and alcohol addiction.

These statistics are sobering, especially when one considers that they are from 2014.It is clear that drug and alcohol addiction is approaching the epidemic level.

Do you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from chemical dependency?

Here are a few of the signs and symptoms of chemical dependency to help you find out:

• Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy.
• Fixation on the substance, where and how to get it, and fantasizing about using.
• Regular episodes of drunkenness or being high.
• Declining job performance.
• Increasingly bad grades at school.
• Depression.
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
• Irrational craving for the substance.
• Engaging in illegal behavior in order to obtain more of the substance. 

The Dangers of Chemical Dependency

It goes without saying that chemical dependency involves many dangers that can negatively affect various aspects of one’s life. Three of the main areas are health, relationships, and work.

Effects on Health

The most drastic and dangerous effects of chemical dependency are on a person’s health. The substances being abused (narcotics, alcohol, etc.) can do serious damage to the body and even cause death. After all, who hasn’t heard of people dying from a drug overdose or a drunk-driving accident?

Even if a person doesn’t die, however, the long-term effects of substance abuse can be extremely serious. Drug abuse can weaken the immune system, cause cardiovascular conditions, collapsed veins (from injected drugs), extreme liver damage or failure, seizures, strokes, memory loss, dramatic fluctuations in appetite, and even significant brain damage, to name just a few.

Effects on Relationships

Chemical dependency also has detrimental effects on relationships. The secrecy and lies (whether due to shame, guilt, or fear of being judged) make living with someone who has a chemical dependency a real challenge.

As those around the addict are continually lied to, trust – a foundational value of healthy relationships – becomes nearly impossible for them. This, in turn, may lead to feelings of grief, anger, fear, and resentment. It can also cause depression.

Effects on Work

Chemical dependency can also have dire effects on a person’s work. As they become more and more under the sway of the substance they are abusing, the quality of their work can begin to deteriorate. They can also cause safety issues when heavy or dangerous equipment is involved.

Though that first step of reaching out may be the most difficult one to take, it is also the most important. Spokane Christian Counseling is here to help you take the next step and the next one after that. The professional Christian counselors in Spokane provide a safe place for you to get clean and sober, and faith-based treatment to help you stay that way.

We also educate about addiction, providing both the families and addicts with help in understanding the reasons for the chemical dependency. Whether stemming from mental health conditions, abuse, trauma, or some other kind of deep-rooted pain, we can help you to manage the pain without resorting to substance abuse.

Beyond getting clean and sober, we help you down the path of self-discovery, growth,and maturity. We provide compassionate support as we attempt to show the love of Christ to all of our clients, encouraging them to enter into right relationship with God.

Are you tired of being enslaved by substance abuse? If you are, then take the first step and seek help. We can help you find freedom from the bondage to substance abuse as we have helped many others. There are no quick fixes, but recovery is possible through Christian counseling for chemical dependency.

Call us today or visit our counselor directory to schedule a risk-free initial session.