Substance abuse and addiction is a serious illness that leaves behind a path of destruction. People suffering from a substance abuse problem will experience many negative consequences such as loss of job, dysfunctional relationships, or expulsion from school. At times you may also feel depressed, anxious, and completely alone. In addition, substance abuse causes serious health consequences, such as liver damage or failure, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis C. It the most severe cases substance abuse can result in death due to an overdose, disease, or suicide. The longer you abuse drugs the more likely you are to become dependent on that substance. Substance dependency becomes an addict’s whole life.