Reason 2 of the Top Four Reasons People Use Drugs

A Pill, Making Us Feel Better

01 28 24 Second Top Reason People Use Drugs - Feeling Better

We’re back! This week we will take a look at the number two spot of the top four reasons people use drugs. This one is very closely linked to the number one, however, you’ll have to come back next week to find out more. 😊 Remember, we’re looking at these in reverse order so if you missed reason 3 or reason 4, you can check them out via these links. Come back next week to find out the number 1 reason people use drugs.

First of all, before we start we wanted to share a comment left on our Facebook page that links to our second article in this four-part series. – “Somehow, and luckily for me, I came across the (Port Alberni Community Action Team) page this morning. It's the information I've been waiting for and hoping for. From what I've read this morning, it is making sense of what I previously felt was senseless. It gives hope to what I previously felt was hopeless. Thank you for all the work being done by this committee. Thank you for helping me obtain a clearer understanding on so many issues that affect so many people in our communities...from strangers to close family members. Thank you for giving me hope.  “

Let’s jump right in! We humans have been looking for substances that make us feel better for thousands of years. Finding better ways to cope

with physical and/or emotional pain, and stress probably started when Ug burnt his fingers starting his very first fire.

A mental image just popped into our head of Ug, jumping around his fire, holding his burnt finger in the air as he curses in early Neanderthal. No cold water, no ice and no butter (by the way – butter is a no, no for burns. Don’t do that one anymore!). Ug does have those funny leaves he picked yesterday lying on the cave floor. They make everything better. So begins the fascination of all things related to substance by us humans.

Ok, let's get serious. Feeling better is the second most common reason people use drugs. Physical and emotional pain is a given for all humans. Break a leg and pain relief is part of recovery. We accept drugs for pain relief – even expect it. More interestingly, society also accepts it. Nobody wants to see a person screaming in agony.

However, when we face challenges like past trauma, or social anxiety, where being around others can make people feel uneasy or nervous, pain relief is seen as weak by many. Stress is another big player in the drug use game. Life can be tough, and when it gets overwhelming, some people think drugs might be the answer to feeling a bit better. Depression, which makes people feel sad and hopeless, is yet another emotional battle that can lead individuals down the path of drug use. It’s not often we see people screaming in emotional anguish. Maybe if we did, our compassion mode would kick into high gear like it does when we see people in physical pain. Many people use substances because it is the only coping strategy they have found in their desperate search to “fix” their emotional pain.

Now, you might wonder, why would someone think using potent drugs is a good way to cope with these feelings? Obviously, we’re talking about a whole different level than the Tylenol our moms would give us for a runny nose. Right there in that last sentence is the seeds of understanding. When pain, either emotional or physical is really bad, we go looking for really strong drugs. Past trauma or stress, in particular, has a way of pushing people to seek relief in whatever form they can find. For some, that means turning to substances like drugs. Very potent drugs offer a temporary escape or relief from the emotional pain they're experiencing.

Stress and trauma not only play a role in starting drug use but can also be a factor in keeping the cycle going. It's like a loop – trauma and stress lead to drug use, and drug use can lead to more stress. This cycle is not only challenging for those currently using drugs but also for people in recovery. Stress and unresolved trauma become a slippery slope, making it harder for people to stay away from drugs or alcohol, even if they're trying to quit.

Social anxiety is another tough nut to crack. Imagine feeling nervous or worried about being around other people. It's a real struggle for some people, and some might turn to drugs as a way to cope with social unease. Unfortunately, this solution is only temporary and can lead to more significant problems down the road.

Depression, with its heavy cloud of sadness and hopelessness, can make people desperate for anything that might bring a glimmer of relief. Some turn to drugs because they offer that relief. Depression is a predictor of suicide. Many people with depression are well aware of where their dark thoughts can potentially lead. Taking drugs can be a way of self-preservation. However, in reality, drugs are a risky path that can lead to more problems than solutions.

So, what's the way forward in dealing with these emotional challenges without resorting to drugs? First of all, if you’re already using substances and you feel it’s causing negative consequences in your life, reach out for professional help to begin your recovery journey. For those not yet using substances, but are feeling strong emotions around trauma, stress or other physical and emotional pain, our health systems offer various support systems, like counselling and therapy, which can provide you with healthier coping mechanisms. Talking to someone, whether it's a friend, family member, or a professional, can be a big first step and make a big difference.

Come back next week for Reason 1 – Join our email list to get an automatic reminder: albernihelp@gmail.com

Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017). Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Guide for Families. https://archives.nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-guide-adolescents-508.pdf

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Mind Matters – Drugs and the Brain - https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/mind-matters/drugs-and-brain

National Institute on Drug Abuse – Drugs, Brains and Behaviour: The Science of Drug Addiction