Risk factors and complications of addiction

Risk factors and complications of addiction

Any and every type of addiction has consequences that result in negative, sometimes long-term, effects.

Addiction directly affects the person involved, but can also have a serious impact on those closest to them. Different substances and behavioural patterns can cause serious disruptions in a person’s life. In more serious instances, it could even mean the end of their life.

Typical complication factors can include:

  • Physical health problems, such as heart disease, HIV/AIDS and neurological damage
  • Emotional and psychological problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression
  • Social problems, such as damaged relationships, and even being charged and jailed for criminal offenses
  • Economic problems, such as debt and bankruptcy
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