Abusing alcohol or drugs can negatively affect people in a variety of ways. From health problems to relationship issues to harmful social effects, substance abuse can cause individual and societal problems. Most people are aware that addiction can cause individuals and their families a lot of pain.
However, despite knowing this, many people still become addicted to drugs. Of course, they’re not becoming addicted intentionally. Addiction is a sly disease and can incrementally creep up into one’s life and before they are aware of it, they become dependent or addicted to it.
Why Do People Begin Using Drugs?
People begin drinking or using drugs for many reasons. The youth may start using drugs for different reasons than adults. The following are some reasons why people begin using drugs:
Peer Pressure
It’s not uncommon for those in middle or high school to succumb to peer pressure when it comes to drinking or trying out a drug. Kids grow up watching shows where other kids and adults drink alcohol and it looks like it’s a lot of fun. Commercials abound portraying individuals who are laughing and enjoying each other’s company while drinking alcohol.
It’s easy for them to start experimenting with drinking and then pressure their peers into doing the same. It’s also easy for the youth to think that if the popular kids are drinking and partying, then they should too if they want to be accepted and fit in.
The problem with this is that some youth will be more susceptible to becoming addicted to substances. They may also begin abusing alcohol to cope with inner pain or old trauma. The same could be said about drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, heroin, pain pills, and so on.
Stress Relief
Some people begin drinking or using drugs because they’re dealing with a lot of stress. It’s no secret that drinking alcohol or taking some drugs, such as benzodiazepine’s, relax the body. You’ve probably heard plenty of people comment that they’re so stressed out that they need a drink to relax. The problem with this is that some people will become addicted to the cycle of using chemicals to reduce anxiety or stress. Once they’re addicted, it can be challenging for them to stop.
Better Performance
Both youth and adults have been known to take drugs to enhance their performance either academically or athletically. High school or college students have been known to take stimulants such as Adderall to help them focus better or be a more alert when it comes to studying. While this drug may help someone struggling with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), those that abuse this drug may become addicted to it.
To Numb Pain
Some people use or abuse alcohol or drugs to numb inner pain. This is pain that they may have acquired as a child, teenager, or adult. It could come as a result of trauma, chronic stress, or something else. The mental anguish that they feel, they’re just not sure how to contend with. However, they notice when they drink or take certain drugs, that the pain is numbed or decreased. This can become a habitual cycle and it’s easy to become addicted to whatever substance they’re using. A problem with this is that the drug does not heal the underlying cause of that pain, and this can become a vicious cycle throughout life unless they reach out for help.
Social Implications Of Illegal Drug Abuse
Continued use of illegal drugs can certainly have social implications. Someone who is struggling with an addiction will not be able to be fully present at work, at home, with loved ones or friends. You’ve probably heard people talk about someone who’s addicted, and they mentioned that the person they knew isn’t even there anymore. Addiction can literally steal the personality of a person and turn them into someone they’re not. This not only hurts that person, but their family and friends.
Abusing drugs can also cause someone to lose a job, a relationship or marriage, it can strain relationships, can cause legal problems, health problems, and more.
When Someone Is Addicted To Drugs, What Option Is The Best Course Of Action?
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to alcohol or a drug, the best course of action is to seek help from a professional substance abuse expert. It’s not uncommon for someone to not be able to quit drinking or using drugs on their own. Some try many times to quit, and they might be successful for a little while, but eventually they fall back into the addiction.
Therefore, it can be very helpful to get professional treatment. There are evidence-based modalities that can help you get to the root of the addiction, as well as contend with any underlying trauma that is causing emotional mayhem. It’s not enough to just put down the drink or drug. There are usually underlying root causes that need tended to, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic stress, and more.
There are also inpatient and outpatient rehabs that can cater to the addiction and any mental health needs that you have. For severe addictions, inpatient or residential treatment is recommended, as there you’ll be able to receive care around the clock. For mild addictions, or for those who can’t pack up and leave for treatment, there are outpatient rehabs where you can attend a number of sessions during the week.
You can avert the negative effects of substance abuse. Your first step is to admit that you’re struggling and reach out for help. You deserve to live a life free from addiction. Make a call or reach out for help today, and take that first step.
