If you don’t want to get addicted to alcohol or any other substance, you should always avoid the first sip and curb the first desire. It could involve skipping work or school or using drugs in risky conditions, like operating a motor vehicle. Among the side effects of substance abuse are persistent and lifelong health issues. Substance abuse can cause side effects to people even after a very long time since they have left the habit. Drug addiction (substance use disorder),” Mayo Clinic , 04-Oct-2022. [