The Number One Reason People Use Drugs Is Pleasure!
Pleasure is the #1 Reason People Use Drugs
02 12 24 Learning Moment - The Number One Reason
People Use Drugs Is Pleasure!
Here we are. We made it to the final part of our four-part series on why people
use drugs. If you’ve missed them, check out the links to reason
2, reason
3, and reason
4. If you’ve been following along, we bet you’re not surprised about the
number one reason people use substances.
Substances have been around for thousands of years. It probably started when Ug
(see reason
2 for more info on Ug) found out that some plants he collected not only
relieved pain but also provided euphoria and pleasure.
Humans are wired to seek out pleasure and avoid pain. This drive is deeply
ingrained in our biology and plays a crucial role in our survival and
well-being. Pleasure serves as a motivator, encouraging us to engage in behaviours
that help in our health and happiness, such as eating tasty food, having sex,
or spending time with loved ones.
When we do pleasurable behaviours, our brain releases natural neurotransmitters like dopamine, which reinforce those behaviours. Think for a minute what your life would be like if you didn’t enjoy food, sex or being with people you love – we’ll wait. 🤗. …..That’s right! The human race probably wouldn’t be here now. Pleasure is that important to us.
Now what would happen if you found a substance that raised your natural neurotransmitters tenfold or even more? Drugs activate the brain's reward system in ways that natural levels of endorphins cannot. They can produce intense and immediate feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or stimulation, which can be incredibly appealing. This can lead some people to prioritize drug use above all other sources of pleasure, including eating, sex and family.
Here are some of the reasons why drugs can be so pleasurable:
- Dopamine
release: Drugs can cause a surge in dopamine levels, which is a key player
in the brain's reward system. Dopamine is released in response to
pleasurable activities, such as eating, sex, or drug use. (yes, when we
use drugs, dopamine reinforces our use of drugs. That last sentence is the
beginning of understanding addiction) If we reinforce certain behaviours, it
makes us more likely to repeat them.
- Rapid
absorption: Drugs can reach the brain quickly, producing a rapid and
intense effect. This fast-acting nature of drugs can make them immensely
more appealing than slower-acting natural pleasures.
- Escape
from negative emotions: Drugs can offer an escape from stress, anxiety, or
other unpleasant emotions. This can be especially true for people who
struggle with mental health issues or have experienced trauma.
- Social
connections: Using drugs with others can increase the experience, creating
a sense of artificial friendship and shared pleasure.
- Novelty:
Trying a new drug or experimenting with different methods of consumption
can provide a thrill, adding variety to the experience.
- Expectation
and anticipation: The anticipation of taking drugs can build excitement
and expectation, making the overall experience very attractive.
- Relief
from withdrawal: For those who have developed a physical dependence on
drugs, taking them can relieve uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms,
providing a sense of relief.
While pleasure is a major driving force behind drug use, we
should remember that the pursuit of pleasure through using substances can
sometimes push us into the realm of harmful behaviours. Our brains are wired to
respond to instant gratification, and drugs can exploit this vulnerability.
Over time, the brain adapts to the constant influx of dopamine or other artificial
neurotransmitters. This leads to decreased sensitivity and a need for more quantities
of a drug to achieve the same desired outcome. This cycle can spiral into
addiction or what we call a substance disorder, causing long-term damage to
physical and mental health.
Drug disorders are now a more pervasive issue in our society than ever before,
with millions of individuals worldwide struggling with addiction. We define
substance disorder or addiction, when despite many negative consequences in a
person's life, (to name a few - loss of job, spouse, family, or home,) they can
not stop using a substance.
We want to be clear here. Drugs don’t always result in addiction. Statistics
tell us that many people use substances responsibly. Only ten per cent of
people using drugs end up with a defined disorder. We’re sure you know many
people who use alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana casually and responsibly.
Drugs are the same. However, they come with one huge caution. The stronger the substance,
the greater the risk of misuse.
The intensity and duration of the euphoric feeling depend on the type of drug
used. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines produce a rapid and intense
high, characterized by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased
energy. On the other hand, opioids like fentanyl create a sense of relaxation
and satisfaction, often accompanied by a feeling of warmth and contentment.
The Brain's Response
to Drugs
So, let’s dig a little deeper into what happens in the brain
when we use drugs. Basically, drugs hijack the brain's reward system, flooding
it with dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This overstimulation creates the
pleasurable sensations associated with drug use. However, repeated exposure to
drugs can alter the brain's chemistry, leading to changes in its structure and
function. These modifications can contribute to the development of tolerance,
making it necessary to consume larger quantities or stronger drugs to achieve
the same level of pleasure.
The transition from casual drug use to addiction is often subtle. As the brain
adapts to the presence of drugs, it becomes dependent on them to maintain
normal functioning. When people stop using drugs, withdrawal symptoms can
occur, ranging from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological
distress. This dependence makes it challenging for people to quit using drugs,
even if they want to.
Additional Effects of Drug Use That Link
to Pleasure
While the initial euphoria is an important cause for drug
use, there are other reasons why people might continue to use drugs. Some of
these include:
- Social
connections: Many people use drugs in social settings, such as parties or
gatherings with friends. Sharing drug experiences is also pleasurable.
After all, humans crave connections with others and the social action of
using drugs with others can strengthen bonds and create a sense of
belonging. In fact, for some, the friends that they use substances with
can be the only positive human connection they have experienced in a
childhood that may have been driven by abuse and trauma. That is a huge
motivation for some people.
- Coping
mechanisms: Drugs can provide an escape from stress, anxiety, or trauma.
Individuals might turn to drugs as a way to cope with difficult emotions
or situations.
- Self-medication:
Some people use drugs to alleviate mental health issues, such as
depression or ADHD.
- Habit
Forming: Regular drug use can become routine, almost automatic, making it
difficult to stop even if the individual wants to. It almost becomes a ritual,
like putting on your socks, brushing your teeth in the morning or that
first cup of coffee.
Wrapping Things Up
By this point, we hope you’ve figured out that drug use is not simply a matter
of choice or moral weakness. The desire to feel good is a fundamental human
need, and drugs offer a quick and effective solution – at least initially. The
flip side of the coin is the negative consequences of drug use when it turns
into a disorder. Just a few include addiction, health problems, financial struggles,
and legal issues, all of which can be devastating. By understanding the factors
behind drug use and how drugs affect the brain, we can all better support those
struggling with substance disorder/addiction and work towards prevention
strategies that address the root causes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, there is hope. Recovery
is possible. Seeking professional help, such as counselling or medical
treatment, can make a huge difference in the journey toward recovery. With the
right support and resources, it's possible to overcome substance disorders and
find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
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
Such an excellent article , thank you for sharing . I’m positive my son fell into reason number one . I lost my son Adam in 2016. The beginning of toxic drugs. Many of our children, friends and others would be alive if only the use of drugs could be de stigmatized and an awareness made clear , get toxic drugs off our streets and believe the evidence , we need a safer supply along with medical detox and proper treatment
ReplyDeleteAbove comments by Christine Dobbs
DeleteHealing the cause of the trauma and having compassion, rather than abhorrence, towards an addict would be a good start. We as a society react with such hate and negativity towards those who struggle with their pain. So far, BC is losing the battle to save lives of addicts. There were 2511 families grieving a loved one in 2023. What needs to change? How can we save these lost souls?
ReplyDelete