3.2. Impact upon psychology

Drug addiction exacerbates social alienation and increases potential for violent lashing out and low self-esteem, along with poor coping skills. Under these circumstances, emotional, social, or symptom-related cues can provoke recourse to available substances and suicidal ideation. They may also contribute to psychosocial instability, self-image issues, and achievement motivation. In some cases, social hostility and rejection may result. Friends and family of persons also experience distress, tension, and conflict in these relationships. Interpersonal conflicts are often associated with dual diagnoses. Friends and families may be frustrated with ongoing substance misuse that the users themselves may not see as problematic [13–16].
