Why do we use drugs?

 Drug use is a dynamic issue that begins in different ways for different individuals. There are countless reasons why people begin to abuse drugs, whether they're illicit drugs or prescription medications. The range of reasons why people take drugs is as broad as the types of people who use them. Drug addiction can affect anyone, of any background, and of any socio-economic status.

Contrary to popular belief, drug use doesn't solely fall under the category of mental illness, homelessness, or even poor family upbringing. Educated individuals with highpaying jobs, families, and seemingly perfect or sought-after lives can be vulnerable to drug abuse, as well.

In general, there are three primary causes of drug use. Within these main causes, there stems a myriad of reasons as to why people start to use drugs. Certain people may face several different factors, which are each, on their own, a reason to use drugs. But these reasons are all the result of some sort of emotional, psychological, or physical categorization of the causes for drug use.

                          Emotional

Feeling they need drugs to fill a void in their lives (whether it's stress, trauma, relationship issues or more)

                           Physical

  Feeling like they need the physical effects of a high or low to physically feel better

                        Psychological 

General feelings of inadequacy towards themselves or the world, so they use drugs to boost their confidence and self-esteem and ability to make sense of things

Here are some of the most common causes of drug abuse and why substance use occurs in different people:

Grieving a death

End of a relationship

Mental illness

Environmental influences

Relaxation

Self-medication

Financial burdens

Career pressures

School pressures

Family demands

Peer and Social Pressure

Abuse and trauma

Boredom

To fit in

Curiosity and experimentation

Rebellion

To be in control

To enhance performance

Isolation

Misinformation or ignorance

Instant Gratification

REASONS FOR DRUG USE WITHIN DIFFERENT SOCIAL GROUPS

It's important to understand that people use drugs for many different reasons, but that there is no one stereotypical drug user. Different social groups from different backgrounds and demographics have different reasons and triggering factors for

Some of the groups of drug users may include:

Teens

Working professionals

Homelessness and mental illness

 

TEENS

Teens face a different set of substance abuse triggers and influences. Teenagers face a difficult period of time that's characterized by school pressures, social obligations, hormonal changes and much more.

Teenagers often face family or financial stresses as they grow old enough to understand the challenges of life. Teenagers are also faced with the intense pressure of needing to fit in and look cool, which often means abusing drugs and alcohol.

Additionally, teens typically go through a phase of rebellion against their parents or attachment figures. Substance abuse is a common way to express this rebellious stage.

WORKING PROFESSIONALS

Many seemingly "normal" individuals succumb to drug abuse. This happens for a variety of reasons, which includes societal pressures, work-related burdens, or financial stress. Additionally, many working professionals have  the means with which to support a drug dependence. They are often doctors, lawyers or other professional types with high incomes to pay for a drug habit.

HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL  ILLNESS

When people think of drug use, they typically think of homeless people or those living in poverty. They may also associate drug use with mental illness such as schizophren bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. These are especially vulnerable societal groups who use drugs as part of a much larger issue.

Homeless people and those struggling with mental health challenges face isolation, depression, and an overall lack of support that leads them to use drugs. Additional they often find themselves associating with others who face the same challenges and who also use drugs. This then becomes a cycle of drug use, which often leads to addiction.