Do addictive substances harm only the people who use them?

Substance addiction is one of the most significant challenges facing societies worldwide. It continues to grow and can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole. Addictive substances can cause serious harm, affecting not only the individual but also their family and the wider community. They can contribute to a range of problems that negatively affect both individual and social well-being, including difficulties during childhood and adolescence, problems with education, difficulties in maintaining stable employment, and problems in marital and family life.

Addiction is a disease that affects more than just the individual experiencing it and needs to be understood on a much broader scale. When even one member of a family develops an addiction, the impact is felt directly by all other family members. But the effects do not stop at the family. Addiction can gradually affect and transform society, its cultural fabric and many other aspects of social life.