Delayed Development Caused by Addiction or Alcoholism

Delayed development is a risk not only for people who start using at a young age, but also for the children of mothers who used while pregnant or nursing. In some cases delayed development caused by drug use or alcoholism can be a severe lifelong problem that causes social, economic, educational and other issues that could lead to substance abuse in an effort to self-medicate these issues and the feelings and difficulties they cause. In fact, many addiction experts believe that development stops any time drug use is prevalent, making this an extremely pressing issue for teens, young adults and even infants and toddlers and their mothers.

Because the human brain does not stop developing until the ages of 25 to 30, delayed development caused by substance abuse can have severe consequences. Addiction and alcoholism are widely considered to be progressive, neurological diseases that make physical changes in the brain. In order to service the addiction, the brain creates neurological pathways that become permanent with consistent use. These pathways inhibit the normal development of the brain and can lead to learning, emotional and mental disabilities or limitations. This is especially true if development is stopped at an early age and never turned back on because the person continues to use drugs or alcohol long after the age of full development has been reached.

People that begin abusing substances early in life are also likely to be emotionally challenged. Feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, paranoia and suicidal tendencies are all possible consequences of delayed emotional development. And because of the lifestyle associated with drug use, these feelings are often greatly exacerbated. Pre-existing emotional issues caused by bipolar or other disorders are also usually significantly magnified. Many addiction professionals believe that a person cannot progress or develop emotionally while in a state of active addiction. According to this theory, a 35 year old who started using at age 17 will possess the emotional capacities of a 17 year old. This is why the cessation of drug use as soon as possible is critical for young people who are suffering from addiction.

Children born to addicted or alcoholic mothers are also a great risk of severe cases of delayed development, or even permanent developmental disabilities. Mothers that use while pregnant pass addiction to their unborn children in vitro, leading to acute withdrawal syndrome when the child is born. Post acute withdrawal symptoms will continue for some time as the child grows, leading to a host of developmental issues. Babies born to addicted mothers often do not meet normal growth and achievement milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking and talking. These children might also suffer from underdeveloped heart or lungs, low birth weight, fever, infection, low blood sugar levels and other serious medical concerns. These children are also more likely to develop conditions later in life that could lead to drug use or alcoholism, such as multiple personality disorder, bipolar disorder, chronic panic disorder and other conditions.

Because of the severe risk of developmental disability caused by drug use or alcoholism, young people who are exposed to these threats should be encouraged to seek help - including addicted mothers. Today's alcohol and drug rehab centers are extremely successful with treating addiction and alcoholism in 30 days. However, in order to stay clean, recovery is a lifetime process that must start NOW.

Get a free, confidential consultation right now with an expert from our Florida alcohol rehab center and addiction center. We can help no matter where you are.

For more information about drug addiction, alcoholism and the impedance of human behavior and development, click here:

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