Why Do People Abuse Drugs or Alcohol?

Why would anyone abuse drugs? (Source: DrugAbuse.GOV): Research has shown that people generally take drugs to either feel good (i.e., sensation seekers or anyone wanting to experiment with feeling high or different) or to feel better (i.e., self-medicators or individuals who take drugs in an attempt to cope with difficult problems or situations, including stress, trauma, and symptoms of mental disorders).

While everybody's situation is unique, more times than not, someone who turns to alcohol and drugs is initially in either some sort of emotional distress or under the pressures of curiosity or peer pressure. Recreational drug use may be initiated from party scenarios.  Alcohol use by those both under age and of legal drinking age could also start in a similar way.

Peer pressure is a huge initiating factor for many teens and young adults when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse. The influence of those around can play a part in making it difficult to say no. In the case of teens and young adults especially, they may find themselves afraid to say no as a result of being embarrassed or taking the risk of being worried abut not being accepted.

The truth of the matter is that no matter what the reason someone decides to abuse drugs or alcohol, the outlook is never a promising one. It is possible that it could be the start of a troublesome habit if not addressed properly. People may choose to abuse drugs and alcohol in a sporadic way initially, but then, if the habits continue, it can turn into advanced stages of abuse like alcoholism and addiction.

What was once a possibly recreational activity could now be an abusive pattern. Once entering into the abusive cycle, an addict will have a more difficult time stopping the process of abuse. The addiction can take on a life of its own, as the abuser will turn to alcohol or drugs in times of mental anguish and stress. The substance abuse can be used as a coping mechanism to settle stressful or difficult times. Turning to drugs and alcohol is a bad idea, no matter what the motivator. It is important to take strong note of abusive behavior as it only can end up working against its abuser and can have devastating results.

From Around the Web

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS? (Source DRUGFREEWORLD.com): People take drugs because they want to change something about their lives.

Here are some of the reasons young people have given for taking drugs:

• To fit in
• To escape or relax
• To relieve boredom
• To seem grown up
• To rebel
• To experiment

9 Reasons Why People Use Drugs and Alcohol (Source: THEJENNIFERACT.COM)

This resource lists 9 different reasons for people turning to drugs, alcohol, and/or other addictions. The 9 reasons listed below are followed up with descriptions and explanations on the original post, so to read the whole article, follow the link above.

1. People suffering from anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression or other mental illnesses use drugs and alcohol to ease their suffering.
2. People see family members, friends, role models or entertainers using drugs and rationalize that they can too.
3. People become bored and think drugs will help.
4. People think drugs will help relieve stress.
5. People figure if a drug is prescribed by a doctor, it must be ok.
6. People get physically injured and unintentionally get hooked on prescribed drugs.
7. People use drugs to cover painful memories in their past.
8. People think drugs will help them fit in.
9. People chase the high they once experienced.

So.... Why do people do drugs? What's the final Answer?

Wondering why somebody would ever turn to drugs or substances is a question that can lurk in your head for years... and the fact is, we may never know the 100% true and factual answer. More important then wondering why somebody does drugs is wondering how can you help this person stop doing drugs? When asked by parent's

why their son/daughter is getting high or drinking, I try to answer the best I can. It always comes down to this though; Forget about why they ever started taking drugs. Accept the fact that they are taking drugs, and start coming up with a plan to do something about it. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, alcoholism or any other addiction... stop asking yourself why you and/or they do it, and start asking yourselves what you're going to do NOW.