The Cost of Addiction
Jun 19, 2012
There’s a reason why addictions are often associated with poverty. Many addictive behaviors begin as a method of escapism and pleasure seeking, and people who suffer financially are often drawn to them as a means to avoid serious problems. Addictions provide instant gratification, which is something sorely lacking in most low-income households. While poverty can be a factor in becoming addicted, becoming addicted can also be a factor in becoming impoverished. Simply put, addictions are expensive to maintain, and their cost increases the longer a person has them. As it becomes harder for a person to reach the same level of satisfaction, they will need to engage inaddictive behaviors more and more often, resulting in higher expenses.
Of course, the cost of addiction is not always financial. Serious addictions can affect every facet of a person’s life. It can lead to marital troubles and divorce, loss of jobs and criminal charges if the addictive substance is illegal. Drug and Alcohol detox services are expensive, and people often find themselves ill equipped to deal with life after quitting, which leads them back to their addictive behaviors. As the addict becomes embroiled in deeper poverty and despair, they often turn to the addiction for comfort, causing a vicious self-fulfilling cycle.
Learn More: Prevent Drug Abuse
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Source
Forbes