Introduction
Substance abuse is a pattern of drug or alcohol use that negatively affects individuals’ health and general well-being. Despite common belief, substance abuse could be related to both illegal and legal drugs. Perfect body images propagated in media make diet pills a popular and affordable option to lose weight. However, this effortless method has dangerous side effects that could considerably damage health. I was also a victim of marketing and decided to lose extra pounds without putting in any effort; however, I paid a high price for my decision. As a result, I encountered heart issues and illnesses related to the digestive system. My experience with substance abuse is related to diet pills addiction and its drastic consequences.
Main body
Adolescence is when many people start to worry about their image, and I was not an exception. Since that time, I have struggled with my image and weight. Taking diet pills and medications seemed a convenient solution to the problem. As I have started observing progress in my weight loss, this turned into an addiction. I consumed the diet pills regularly and never worried about the dangerous side effects of my addiction. However, sooner or later, the consequences of the regular use occurred, damaging the whole body. Two years ago, I was hospitalized and received to the intensive care unit because of a herbal weight loss product recommended by a friend. At that time, I had complications related to the heart and was at inevitable risk of a second attack. My whole body was intoxicated as the pills affected not only the digestion system and heart but also the nervous system. I have had a long course of therapy, both medical and psychological. I realized during the treatment that my addiction was out of my control, and I never admitted that I have one. Today I still struggle with weight loss substances; however, I am on my way to finding healthier and safer methods of weight loss.
This experience helped me understand many things related to substance abuse. First of all, substance abuse is usually out of hand, and it is complicated to know that you have problems. In my case, I was aware of the side effects of the regular use of the pills, but it took me too long to realize that I was addicted. Second, substance abuse is not only a physical but also a psychological issue. During my treatment, I suffered from depression and anxiety because that attempt to lose weight failed. Moreover, sometimes psychological temptation was stronger than psychical temptation for the diet pills. The last thing I realized was that society puts extremely high pressure on people by setting unrealistic beauty standards. I was a victim of the industry which set the bar that high to sell and produce more. Now I realize that there is no magic substance that makes you slim and attractive in one month. I have understood the importance of health care in my life.
Conclusion
To conclude, many of us had an adverse experience with substance abuse. The most dangerous part is that the addiction might not be admitted and denied. Substance abuse is a complex issue that requires both psychological and physical treatment. My experience perfectly shows that diet pills are not only dangerous for the health but also addictive. Now I admit that a healthy diet and sport is the only right way to lose weight.