Addiction is a devastating disorder that takes the lives of thousands of people every year and affects millions more. In the best of circumstances, addiction disorders can be difficult to fight, but other issues often compound addiction, making it even tougher for people to recover. Here's a look at three circumstances that can make addiction even harder to beat.

Unfortunately, people who become addicted to substances often lose the ability to think rationally and make good decisions that will further their recovery. As a result of this compromised behavior, addicts will frequently alienate their family and friends, and those are the ones who can do the most to help them recover. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol usually find themselves caught in a downward spiral. Once they become addicted, they often lose their support networkand subsequently make even worse decisions, driving those who love them further and further away.

Tragically, legal issues are extremely common for people who suffer from addiction. Many addictive substances are illegal in and of themselves. Furthermore, since addiction often destroys decision-making ability, people who are addicted will frequently engage in other risky behaviors like driving under the influence or commit crimes like theft in order to further fuel their addiction. Criminal defense law covers a wide range of charges, and can give you the upper hand in your case. If you have legal trouble, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney. Try to determine if legal options are available that will put you into treatment rather than jail.

Unfortunately, addiction rarely occurs in a vacuum. More often than not, it is linked to a variety of other mental illnesseslike depression and anxiety disorders. This can often complicate treatment plans since it requires that someone who has multiple disorders find a treatment center that can treat both their addiction and an emotional or mental problem simultaneously. These issues often go hand in hand. The good news is that there is no shortage of treatment facilities that work in this area. Co-occurring disorders are actually very common.

Dealing with addiction is a nightmarish prospect, one often compounded by a variety of other circumstances that stem directly from the underlying problem. With support, help and appropriate treatment resources, people who are addicted to a substance can recover, but it unquestionably takes a good deal of time, effort, money and love.