Addicted individuals are not separate from the fabric of society; therefore, when they are suffering, a part of society is suffering as well. Similarly, if they act unruly, that behavior affects the wider community. They are interconnected with society, and their actions have repercussions for everyone. This is why it has been said: “An addicted person does not only destroy themselves, but also brings society to misery,” or “Humans are members of one another; if one member suffers from pain or illness, the other members will not be at peace.”
Some of the Social Disadvantages of Addiction Include:
Losing the Security and Comfort of Families: In a family and society where there is an addict, security, peace, health, dignity, zeal, and integrity are disturbed, affecting the entire society. Addicts are not only unproductive but are also consumers who contribute nothing but social harm. The addicted person does not feel responsible toward their family members. Their social position is shaky; they do not trust others and prioritize the fulfillment of their own needs above all else. Drug use has a detrimental and dangerous effect on the livelihood, security, peace, education, and morals of the family. Committing crimes becomes easy for addicted individuals, who engage in reprehensible acts, sacrificing everything in their pursuit of drugs. This leads to fear and distress within society, causing its members to live in anxiety and turmoil.
The Spread of Cruelty and the Destruction of Human Emotions: Addicted individuals often reach a point of emotional numbness, lacking human mercy and compassion. They do not consider the financial needs of their spouses and children. Their primary concern is to earn money for their own needs, disregarding whether their family has food to eat.
The Rule of Poverty and Misery in Families: Drug use negatively impacts families’ livelihood and well-being, leading them into poverty and despair.
Ignoring the Education of Children: Another adverse effect of addiction on society is the increase in street children, illiteracy, and delinquency. When the father of the household is an addict and socializes with friends while the mother works tirelessly outside the home to provide for her children, it is evident what kind of children will emerge from such circumstances. Many children who resort to theft and fraud at a young age come from these environments.
Increase in Crime in Society: Addicts are significant contributors to the rise in crime, including murder and violence. An addict may easily resort to stealing, killing, or even straining their family relationships to acquire drugs.
Increase in Prostitution and Prostitutes: An addicted person often cannot satisfy their spouse sexually due to the physical decline they experience. This can lead to emotional and sexual suffering for their partner. Consequently, many women lacking strong faith may seek emotional and physical fulfillment from others, contributing to the rise in prostitution and immorality within society.
The Increase in the Number of Divorces and the Collapse of Families: In families where parents are addicted to drugs, divorces and family breakdowns frequently occur. A family with a head in prison for several years faces destruction and disintegration, often forcing the woman to seek a divorce, as continuing to live with an addict becomes untenable.
Increase in Driving Accidents: Drug use undoubtedly leads to a rise in driving accidents. A driver under the influence may mistakenly believe that their cognitive abilities are enhanced, their fears diminished, and their driving security improved. In reality, the opposite is true, resulting in tragic and dangerous incidents. Many drivers of heavy vehicles may turn to drugs to combat fatigue, unaware that when the effects wear off, they could fall into perilous situations.
Disruption of Industrial and Administrative Work: Addicted individuals often lose self-confidence and exhibit indifference toward their responsibilities. Consequently, they frequently fail to perform their assigned tasks correctly, causing disruptions and inefficiencies in administrative systems or factories, leading to incomplete or erroneous work.
Loss of Social Status: Individuals suffering from addiction often lack self-confidence and struggle to accept their situation. They quickly lose their standing within their families, among friends and relatives, and in society. Many prefer to isolate themselves, severing their connections with the outside world.