Millions of people use and abuse drugs around the world, and they do so for a wide variety of reasons. There’s no easy answer to the question, “Why do people do drugs?” Every individual is unique, but there are definitely some common factors that come up again and again. Let’s delve deeper into some of the most common reasons that people do drugs and learn more about solutions like our outpatient drug rehab center.
Why Do People Do Drugs?
For many people, drugs offer a way to relieve stress and temporarily escape negative emotions. If you have poor stress management skills, you might feel overwhelmed. Drugs can seem like a way to forget about stress (at least for a while).
Of course, self-medicating with drugs isn’t a smart or effective way to eliminate stress. In fact, using drugs often makes stressful situations worse.
Factor in the side effects of drug use, and people can feel even weaker and more overwhelmed than they were feeling before they began to resort to substance use.
Clearly, stress must be dealt with in a more effective manner than resorting to drugs or alcohol. Learning stress management techniques is one very effective way to prevent drug abuse in the future.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can happen at any age, but it is especially common among teens and young adults. Turning down drugs or alcohol can be difficult in many society situations that young people encounter. Few people want to face disapproving looks from others and get labeled as “not cool.” Let’s face it: acceptance by peers is especially important in the frequently chaotic teenage and young adult years.
Sometimes, people use drugs just because they see others using them. It’s important that teens learn how to say no and abstain from drug use in social situations. Just trying drugs once might not seem like a big deal, but it could turn into a lifetime of addiction. While this isn’t always the result, it does in fact happen.
Experimentation
Some people use drugs simply as a form of experimentation. Once again, this is a common reason that helps explain why young people try drugs. The teen years are for exploring boundaries, and seeking new experiences is part of that equation.
While some might argue that trying new things is normal for teens, this is one risk that’s not worth it. Trying drugs just once can have serious, lasting effects for the rest of your life.
Self-Medicating a Mental Illness
There’s a strong link between mental health and addiction. Some people use drugs because they struggle with a mental illness. If a person has a mental illness but isn’t getting treatment or support, drugs can appear like a reasonable alternative.
Sadly, adding substance use to mental illness only makes the situation worse. The addition of drug use of exacerbates mental illnesses. This highlights just how important it is to give those with mental health problems the right treatment and care.
They Get Hooked on Prescription Drugs
Many people continue to do drugs because they’re dependent on them. A person might start using prescription painkillers because of an injury, for example. Over time, it’s easy to become physically dependent on medications.
Some people can also form a psychological dependence on drugs. They might feel as if quitting or cutting back will cause more anxiety, depression or pain.
Overcoming Drug Addiction Safely
At Crestview Recovery, you can overcome your drug abuse or addiction problem. Treatment methods are varied and comprehensive, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Group therapy
Why do people do drugs? Clearly, there are many reasons, which is why people deserve a varied approach to recovery. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, you can end your dependence on drugs. Call 866.262.0531 to take the next step toward lasting sobriety.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
