Reasons for Drug Use

Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, from a vague sense of continuous dread to a specific, paralyzing fear. Some may attempt to self-medicate with various substances which can lead to addiction. Drugs and alcohol can provide short-term, temporary relief from some anxiety symptoms. However, the longer you take the substance, the lesser its effects will be and the more you will need to take in order to feel relief, creating a vicious cycle between addiction and anxiety symptoms.

Depression

Depression is a mental illness frequently co-occurring with substance use which can affect how you feel, think, and act. Though some may exhibit more recognizable signs like fatigue and low mood, others may appear more irritable or angry. Other signs of depression can include lack of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, feelings of guilt or despair, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, or suicidal thoughts.

Trauma

Trauma is more than a negative experience. It’s an event or series of circumstances that has lasting effects on your mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. There are many types of trauma such as: physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, emotional or verbal abuse, parental neglect, bullying, accidents, natural disasters, or terminal illness. Symptoms of trauma may include: dramatic mood shifts, erratic behavior, excessive or inappropriate displays of emotions, ongoing fear, nervousness or anxiety, prolonged agitation, lack of confidence, eating disorders, avoidance, professional/romantic/social relationship issues.

Abuse

All forms of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, can have severe and long-lasting consequences for individuals throughout their lives. Specifically, child abuse affects approximately one in four children in the US and can lead to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). While many children who grow up with trauma go on to lead healthy, productive lives, research suggests that it can lead to a higher risk of SUD (substance use disorder) later in life.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is likely to impact everyone at some point, especially teenagers. Fitting in, being included, or the need to feel valued can be very powerful forces when it comes to decision making.

Grief

Losing a loved one, pet, or a relationship, are just a few causes of grief. Everyone reacts to and handles grief differently. Though we all experience grief at some point in our lives, that fact doesn’t make coping with it any easier.

Chronic Pain

People often turn away from prescription drugs to more powerful or easily accessible options like illicit drugs. If prescriptions run out and the pain persists, some feel like they are left with no other option. Illegal drugs may offer stronger and less expensive options. (Image of illicit drugs like fake pills, heroin, methamphetamine, etc)

Bullying

Bullying is not a single act but rather a pattern of behavior that can take many forms including verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. Bullying can have a lasting impact on the victim’s mental and physical health which can contribute to low self-worth, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. People who have been bullied often use drugs or alcohol to cope with the fear and anxiety.

Experimentation

Curiosity or thrill-seeking often lead to drug use. Using drugs often provides a dopamine rush which one may continue to seek after experiencing it.

Boredom

Merely feeling like you have nothing else to do can be one of the leading reasons why people try drugs. But it can also be feeling like you are trapped and isolated. In a world where we have easy access to just about anything, it becomes more important to define and understand the word “boredom”.

Social Glorification

Social media, movies, and music all glorify alcohol and drug use with little to no consequences. It has become a form of social acceptance and almost expected in some cases, events, or social gatherings.

Self-medication

When people can’t find a healthy outlet or a safe place to turn when facing excessive physical or emotional pain, anxiety, or other stressors, they may misuse prescription medications and/or experiment with illicit drugs.

Performance

The pressure to do better academically or professionally can lead to the use of stimulants to enhance performance. This is often seen with students or employees under immense pressure, and athletes in an extremely competitive environment.