5 Reasons Why People Become Addicted to Drugs
Why do you do it? Why destroy your life with this temporary relief? These are the common questions that many family members and friends ask once they find out that you are addicted to drugs. The lack of response on the addict’s part leads to people believing that the only reason people use and abuse drugs is in the constant search for pleasure.
It is important to understand that drug addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that cannot be dealt with within a night or even in a few days. You can’t just say “no” to it and go about your life as if nothing happened. Drug addiction has far-reaching impacts on every part of life, and it cannot be “fixed” overnight, no matter how hard you try.
How To Identify The Addiction?
There are two steps to identify if you or someone you love is addicted to drugs, they are:
- The first step you need to take is to question yourself and those around you about how it happened and how things went so out of hand. It could be anything from stressful life events to peer pressure.
- The second step is to look for treatment options; as stated above, drug addiction is a disease, just like many in the world. Your treatment options can include holistic rehabilitation centers and institutes like the Delphi Health Group, which provides addicts with every facility. Including medical detox, partial hospitalization, dual diagnosis, medication-assisted treatment, and so much more.
Causes of Addiction:
Scientific research in this domain has led researchers to believe that drug addiction is mainly a result of repeated drug use. It can be anything from nicotine to fentanyl. These drugs alter the brain’s overall functioning. The brain releases a dopamine chemical, which invokes pleasure; you feel euphoric and high. When the brain repeatedly feels this, it starts relying on the substance, which becomes a high priority for the addict. That is how it all starts. The reasons behind wanting to go down this path might differ from person to person; however, some common reasons are listed below:
Accessibility To Legal Drugs:
Nicotine, alcohol, and prescription drugs are legal and loosely regulated in most parts. As they are easily available and are used by millions of people worldwide, they pose a risk of addiction and dependence. According to WHO, 6 million people died from tobacco use, and 2.5 million died from alcohol use. Both of these agents are easily available and accessible for addicts and hence are a reason for addiction.
Peer Pressure:
Many people start using drugs due to peer pressure. It can cause people to do things that impress their friends or loved ones. It makes them feel accepted and valued. It can be hard to turn down an invitation from a friend to go out to a club and drink the night away for most people. It is especially true for youngsters who have a greater need to be accepted by those around them. If they see their friends do drugs, they’ll do it too because they believe it is normal to engage in these activities to appear cool.
Depression:
Depression is one of the most common mental health diagnoses in the US. Dealing with and treating depression is challenging for most people, so they turn to drugs for quick and temporary comfort. Many people who struggle with depression often don’t have access to primary care and treatment. They tend to self-medicate to handle their state, which causes their condition to worsen.
Experimenting With Substances:
Substances like marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, crystal meth are mind-altering and can cause people to experience the heights of euphoria. Many people want to explore and experiment with it despite the potential dangers. Once you start using them repeatedly, they make you return to them. They are extremely addictive and cause you to fall into that destructive cycle.
Gateway To Stronger Substances:
It is scientifically proven that the more you use a drug, the less intense it becomes. For most addicts, it is rather difficult to explain exactly why they do drugs, when it started and how it developed to become something so heinous. People fail to understand that the more you use a certain type of drug, the lesser the intensity of its effect becomes. As your body becomes accustomed to it, their influence and euphoria become less extreme. Then you start seeking out stronger drugs that would make you feel that dopamine rush again. It continues until its use becomes an addiction to substances, and you have to seek help.
For example, heroin might take you to the heights of pleasure when you start using it, but its effect slowly declines. You’re left with this urge to look for something more powerful, more destructive.
Bottom Line:
Remember, it’s never too early or late to seek help. If you or someone is suffering from substance abuse, your best bet is to look for professional help. They can help more effectively, and their guidance has better and long-term effects.
Thank you,
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
