Top 4 Reasons People Use Drugs
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| Top 4 Reasons People Use Drugs |
Hi there! Let's talk about drugs. You know, those things that some people use to get high, feel good, or cope with stress. Have you ever stopped to think about why people actually use drugs? Almost always, there are underlying unresolved challenges that a person is trying to cope with. There are real reasons behind drug use, and it's important to understand them.
Over the next four weeks, we’re going to explore the top reasons why people use unregulated substances. We’ll explore one reason each week, so make sure to bookmark and come back.
First, let's dispel some common myths about substance use. Some might say that people who use substances make a choice or lack self-control. But that's not true for most. Pretty much all the recent science in the last couple of decades backs up this point. Drug addiction is a complex issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's not a moral weakness, but rather a chronic health disorder that needs to be treated like any other health condition.
Let's move on to understanding some basics of why people use substances before we look at specifics. Many people turn to substances as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. They might be struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or they might be dealing with trauma from their past. Drugs can offer a temporary escape or sense of relief, which can be tempting when life feels overwhelming. Humans have used substances for millenniums to relieve pain, both physical and emotional.
But here's the thing: while drugs might provide short-term relief, they can also lead to long-term problems. Drug use can quickly spiral out of control, leading to physical dependence and addiction. That's where things can get really tough. People struggling with addiction might lose their jobs, strain their relationships, and even end up homeless. It's a vicious cycle that's hard to break without professional help.
So, what can we do about it? Education is key. By learning
more about drug use and addiction, we can better understand the challenges that
people face. We can also work to reduce the stigma around substance use so that
people feel comfortable seeking help instead of hiding their struggles. Finally,
we can advocate for policies and programs that support recovery and wellness,
such as access to treatment centers and harm reduction services.
Now that you know more about why people use drugs, you have
the power to make a difference. You can start by sharing your newfound
knowledge with others and encouraging them to do the same. Together, we can
create a more compassionate and informed community that supports people
struggling with addiction. Who knows – maybe one day, we'll live in a world
where drug use is less stigmatized, and everyone has access to the help they
need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Starting in reverse order -
Reason # 4 Curiosity and Social Pressure
Whether you’re an adult or young person, sometimes we get ourselves into social
situations that result in us doing things better left alone. Young people and teenagers
are often the most susceptible. They are naturally curious about everything including
drugs and alcohol. Often, they may feel pressure from their friends to try
them. This can be especially risky because adolescence is a time when brains
are still developing and making decisions can be tricky. Research shows that
teens are more likely to use drugs or alcohol if their friends do, so parents
and caregivers need to teach young people how to resist peer pressure and make
healthy choices. Additionally, studies suggest that kids who have a close
relationship with their parents and engage in activities they enjoy are less
likely to use drugs or alcohol. By providing a supportive environment and
fostering positive relationships, we can help young people navigate these
critical years and avoid dangerous behaviors."
Evidence-Based Information:
- According
to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teens are indeed more
susceptible to peer pressure and social influences, which can increase
their likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors like drug use (NIDA,
2017).
- Studies
have shown that a strong parent-child relationship can act as a protective
factor against substance use among adolescents (Hill et al., 2016; Brook
et al., 2018).
- Engaging
in extracurricular activities and having positive role models can also
help youth develop healthy habits and avoid drug use (Hill et al., 2016).
- The
brain continues to develop throughout adolescence, and substance use
during this period can negatively impact brain development and function
(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019).
Here's a link to Reason 3 – Join our email list to get an automatic reminder: albernihelp@gmail.com
Learning Moments are written to foster understanding of all aspects of
substance or mental health disorders - It
is an initiative of the Port Alberni Community Action Team - Families Helping
Families
Author: Ron Merk – Ron is the Co-Chair of the Port Alberni Community
Action Team He advocates for people with substance or mental health disorders.
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
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