Drug and alcohol addictions are very common, unfortunately, and can be very damaging to people’s lives. This leads many people to question why people start using drugs or alcohol to start with.
Everyone knows that drugs and heavy drinking are very dangerous and can be very hard habits to stop. However, this doesn’t always stop a person from trying out alcohol and drugs.
Some people can turn to alcohol and drugs for various reasons. When someone understands these reasons, this could be just what is needed to help a person overcome their addiction. Alcohol and drugs can be an issue for all genders, ages, races, and statuses.
Below, we will go over some of the main reasons why substance abuse may start.
Due to Socialising
In our society, we often glorify the use of alcohol for almost all occasions. People will often drink without worrying at small gatherings, parties, and many other social events. Movies and tv shows will often portray drug and alcohol use without any issues and with little to no consequences. Due to the glorification of substances, people will often turn to alcohol and drugs for social gratification.
Many people will think that others will not accept them if they are not drinking or taking drugs. As people become more accustomed to the social use of substances, they are then more likely to develop an alcohol or drug addiction.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can affect anyone at any point and applies to the majority of people. However, it is more common to happen with younger people. Teenagers are especially vulnerable when it comes to peer pressure. Young people want to fit in well with the people around them. Teenagers will see a crowd of “cool kids” drinking or smoking weed and may feel like they have to copy them in order to fit in and feel valued.
Wanting to fit in with others is a part of human nature. Many people usually do anything in order to impress other people. This may sometimes include taking drugs or drinking alcohol. What starts as just one drink can quickly change into a bad habit and could eventually lead to an addiction.
Self-Medication
Many people suffer from mental health problems and not many people will reach out for professional help for these problems. Instead, a lot of people will end up suffering in silence. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and a range of mental health problems can go undiagnosed for a very long time.
Many people will turn to alcohol or drugs to help numb the pain and help them avoid their mental health problems. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is very dangerous. It may cause a temporary reduction in mental health symptoms. However, it is never a solution. As time goes on, people will need larger and more doses of drugs or alcohol to get the same results.
Addictions can cause physical problems and can make psychological problems much worse. Overdosing is a very common cause of death. That is why people who are suffering from mental health problems should reach out for professional help rather than turning to drugs or alcohol.
Reducing Stress
Stress is an extremely common emotion. However, despite it being extremely common, many people don’t know any healthier ways to handle and get through it. Stress can physically affect your body. Stress can put people into fight or flight mode and can cause your heart rate to increase and may cause a spike in a person’s blood pressure. Some people may also struggle with sleep and may have difficulties with their daily tasks.
A lot of the time, people will turn to alcohol or drugs to help reduce their stress. However, this can become a habit and is very dangerous. It is much better to find natural ways to reduce stress. This can involve things like exercise and medications.
Thrill Seeking
Many people live with the mindset that rules are to be broken. With the exception of alcohol and nicotine, the majority of drugs are illegal. Using illegal substances can also be dangerous and most people are already aware of this. Many people may commit crimes or break the law just because it is thrilling. For these people, drinking and taking drugs will provide a dopamine rush. Thrill seekers will feel euphoric and invincible until the drugs start to leave their system. Substance abuse is not the only way that a person can increase their levels of dopamine.
Consuming sugary or fatty foods can provide this same hormone. Laughing with friends or having a romantic encounter can also provide this feeling. Unfortunately, people who use drugs will simply do just about anything to heighten the dopamine in their system, even if they end up in jail or end up with injuries or physical effects.
Boredom
Boredom is one of the most common reasons why people will turn to alcohol or drugs. This is also the reason why many people recovering from addictions will relapse. Boredom doesn’t just happen when you don’t have anything to do. It can also sneak up on you when you are feeling trapped or isolated. Unfortunately, when most people are bored, they will often find any way to escape the boredom.
They may use drugs or drink to help with breaking up the monotony. In the beginning, drinking and drugs may seem fun and exciting. However, it can quickly become a dangerous habit which can eventually then turn into a full-blown addiction. It’s important to break the cycle of addiction. However, this is extremely difficult. When you become bored, it’s much better to hang out with friends or find yourself a new hobby to prevent you from turning to drugs or alcohol.
Get Help With Your Substance Abuse
If you are struggling with abusing substances, it’s important that you reach out for professional help as soon as possible to prevent the problems from becoming any worse. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how to get into a rehab treatment programme. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you the advice you need to get started with your recovery – call today on 0800 001 4070.
