Why Do People Take Drugs?

Reasons Why People Use Drugs

People turn to drugs for many reasons. Some of these reasons are pretty simple, like “I am depressed, I should take this drug to make myself feel good.” On the other hand, some reasons are pretty complex. Let’s take a look at these reasons one by one:

1. To Feel Good

Many people turn to drugs to experience feelings of euphoria or relaxation. Substances like marijuana and opioids are commonly used for their pleasurable effects. Marijuana, for instance, is known for its relaxing properties. It helps people relax and temporarily escape from stress. Opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers, provide intense feelings of pleasure and relaxation, often described as a “high.”

Effects of Common Drugs:

• Marijuana: Relaxation, euphoria, altered perception
• Opioids: Pain relief, euphoria, sedation
• Cocaine: Increased energy, euphoria, heightened alertness
• MDMA (Ecstasy): Enhanced sensory perception, euphoria, emotional closeness
• Alcohol: Relaxation, reduced inhibitions, euphoria

2. To Self-Medicate

Some individuals use drugs to alleviate physical pain or emotional distress. This self-medication can be an attempt to manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Prescription drugs, like opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, are often misused for these purposes.

For example, opioid painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are prescribed for pain but are frequently misused. Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium are prescribed for anxiety but can be addictive if used improperly.

Effects of Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs:

• Opioid Painkillers: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness
• Benzodiazepines: Anxiety relief, sedation, muscle relaxation
• Antidepressants: Mood stabilization, improved sleep, increased appetite

3. To Manage Mental Health Conditions

Individuals with mental health issues may use drugs to cope with their symptoms. This includes using substances like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications without a prescription, or turning to illegal drugs. Depression and anxiety are common conditions that lead people to use drugs. For example, people might use stimulants to boost their mood or focus, or alcohol to reduce anxiety.

Drugs Commonly Used for Self-Medication:

• Stimulants (e.g., Adderall): Increased focus, energy, euphoria
• Alcohol: Reduced anxiety, relaxation, euphoria
• Marijuana: Reduced anxiety, improved mood, relaxation
• Antidepressants (misused): Mood stabilization, improved sleep, increased appetite

4. To Improve Performance

Some people use drugs to boost their cognitive or physical performance. This includes stimulants like Adderall for improved focus and energy, or anabolic steroids for muscle growth and athletic performance. For instance, students may misuse prescription stimulants to stay awake and study longer, while athletes might use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and strength.

Effects of Performance-Enhancing Drugs:

• Adderall (Stimulant): Increased focus, energy, alertness
• Anabolic Steroids: Increased muscle mass, strength, endurance
• Caffeine: Increased alertness, reduced fatigue
• Nootropics: Enhanced cognitive function, memory, creativity

5. To Experiment and Fit In

Curiosity and social influences are significant factors in drug use, especially among teenagers and young adults. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can lead to experimentation with various drugs. Young people might try drugs out of curiosity or because their friends are using them. This can include alcohol, marijuana, or even more dangerous substances like ecstasy or cocaine.

Common Drugs Used for Experimentation:

• Alcohol: Relaxation, euphoria, reduced inhibitions
• Marijuana: Relaxation, euphoria, altered perception
• Ecstasy (MDMA): Enhanced sensory perception, euphoria, emotional closeness
• Cocaine: Increased energy, euphoria, heightened alertness

What Leads To Drug Addiction?

Knowing what leads to addiction helps us prevent it better. Addiction is not just about using drugs. It is about the various influences that push someone towards substance use. Genetics, the environment someone grows up in, and mental health all play big parts.

1. Genetics

Family history plays a significant role in the risk of developing addiction. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to addiction are more likely to develop substance use disorders. Studies indicate that genetics can account for about 40-60% of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. If parents or siblings have a history of addiction, there is a higher chance that other family members may also struggle with substance abuse.

2. Environment

Environmental factors are also major contributors to the risk of addiction. Exposure to drug use at home, in the community, or within peer groups can significantly increase the likelihood of substance abuse. For example, children who grow up in households where drug use is prevalent are more likely to start using drugs themselves. Additionally, environments with high levels of stress or low social and economic status can lead to increased drug use as a coping mechanism.

3. Mental Health

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders are common risk factors for addiction. Individuals with mental health disorders often use drugs as a way to manage their symptoms, leading to a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. For instance, people with anxiety disorders might use alcohol or benzodiazepines to calm their nerves, which can lead to dependency and addiction.

4. Early Use

Using drugs at a young age can significantly increase the risk of developing an addiction. Adolescents and young adults who experiment with drugs are more vulnerable to addiction due to the developmental stages of their brains. Early drug use can interfere with normal brain development, increasing the likelihood of making poor decisions and engaging in risky behaviors.

How Recreational Drug Use Turns into Addiction?

Drug use can start innocently enough. Maybe it begins with a drink at a party or a pill to help with a bad day. Over time, though, what started as casual use can spiral into addiction. This process involves several stages:

1. Tolerance

When people use drugs regularly, their bodies get used to them. This means they need to take more of the drug to feel the same effects they once did with smaller amounts. For instance, someone who drinks alcohol may find that over time they need more drinks to achieve the same level of relaxation or euphoria. This increased consumption can quickly lead to dependency.

2. Dependence

Dependence occurs when the body and mind have adapted to the presence of the drug. This can be physical, where the body experiences withdrawal symptoms without the drug, or psychological, where the person feels they need the drug to function. For example, someone dependent on opioids might feel severe pain and discomfort without them, while someone dependent on stimulants like Adderall might feel unable to concentrate or stay alert without their dose.

3. Addiction

Addiction is characterized by the overwhelming need to use the drug despite harmful consequences. It changes the brain’s function and structure, making it difficult to control use. Addicted individuals might continue using drugs even when it causes problems at work, school, or home. The desire to obtain and use the drug becomes overpowering, and stopping feels almost impossible without help.

Signs of Drug Addiction

Identifying addiction is often pretty easy. Most drug addictions have some very obvious signs like:

• Cravings: A strong urge to use the drug can dominate thoughts and drive behavior, often interfering with daily life.
• Loss of Control: The inability to limit drug use, even when trying to cut back, indicates a loss of control over consumption.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring important obligations at work, school, or home is common as the addiction takes priority.
• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends and activities that were once enjoyable can signal that drug use is becoming all-consuming.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in drug use even when it causes obvious physical, emotional, or social problems shows the severity of addiction.

Knowing When and How to Seek Help for Drug Use

Realizing that you need help with drug use can be a tough but important step. It often starts with recognizing that your drug use is out of control and causing harm. This might be something you notice yourself, or it could be pointed out by concerned friends or family. If you find that your drug use is affecting your daily life, such as work, school, or relationships, it is a clear sign that it is time to seek help.

Finding the right kind of support can make all the difference. Start by talking to a doctor who can guide you on treatment options. Therapy, whether individual or group sessions, provides emotional support and practical strategies to manage addiction. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a community of people who understand your struggles. Additionally, rehabilitation programs, both inpatient and outpatient, can provide a structured environment for recovery. Each of these resources can help you move towards a healthier, drug-free life.

Why Choose ADAPT Programs for Drug Recovery

Choosing the right place for drug recovery is a big decision, and at ADAPT Programs, we understand that. Our team is made up of professionals who have a lot of experience in treating drug addiction. They know what they are doing and are here to help you every step of the way. We believe that every person’s journey to recovery is unique, so we create personalized treatment plans to fit your specific needs. From the initial detox process to aftercare, we provide complete support to make sure you have everything you need to recover fully.

If you or someone you love is dealing with drug use, reaching out for help can be the first step towards getting better. ADAPT Programs is ready to offer the support and care you need. Our friendly and dedicated team is here to help you overcome addiction and start living a healthier life. Do not wait—contact us today. You can give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our services and set up a consultation. We are here to help you on your journey to a drug-free life.

REFERENCES:

• Genes and Addiction—Learn Genetics Utah
• What Is a Substance Use Disorder?-psychiatry.org