4 Possible Reasons Why Someone Begins to Abuse Drugs

Drug addiction is a very serious issue that can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, and the reasons for why someone might find themselves affected by this disease are numerous.

If you are concerned for a loved one or wondering what might lead someone down this road, just know that many factors play a role into the abuse of drugs. Here are just four potential reasons why someone might abuse drugs.

Because of the Initial Feeling

The first time a drug is used, the individual will most likely experience feelings of pleasure due to the release of dopamine signaled by the drug. Dopamine is the chemical released when something good or happy happens, so this desirable feeling is also what a first-time drug user may experience. A person may continue to return to the drug in order to experience this pleasurable feeling again.

According to NIDA, however, repeated use over time can alter the user’s brain, and as a result, it becomes more difficult for that person’s brain to achieve the pleasurable feeling.

One’s social circle may encourage drug abuse.

Not only does this diminish from what would be normally happy moments in everyday life, but it also means that the user will have to increase the intake of the drug to achieve the feeling they are looking for.

Larger amounts and more changes in the brain will lead to the development of dependency or addiction to the drug.

Because of Social Influence

There’s no denying that the people you surround yourself with will have a great impact on the decisions you make, especially in a setting where you might be pressured to do something like drink or do drugs. The social setting that a person integrates themselves into will play a large role in whether or not they are presented with the opportunity to even try drugs, and continued exposure to this social circle will only increase their chances of abusing drugs.

This is why it is often a necessary step after rehab to cut certain social settings and people out of your life, in order to avoid the temptation for relapse.

Because They Believe it Might Help Them

It is important to stay knowledgeable about the truth of how drugs can harm you, but many individuals hear the benefits that a stimulant can provide and only pay attention to how it can help them. A very common example of this among college students is the abuse of the stimulant, Adderall, which is used medically to help with ADHD.

However, according a study reported by NCBI, students without a prescription are taking Adderall to help them focus, while completely disregarding the dangers of addiction and negative side effects. For more information on the reality of drug abuse, call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to speak with a specialist today.

Identifying Risk Factors and Protective Factors in Substance Abuse

Because They Want to Suppress Something

Whether somebody is depressed, has a difficult home life, or has lost their will to continue a healthy lifestyle, there are many reasons why one might choose to suppress their feelings and hurt by covering it up with drug abuse.

The problem with this is that they are only adding on to their problems and hurting themselves with the negative effects of drug abuse. Often, however, a person will have lost all concern for health and instead is only focused on clearing their mind of whatever is troubling them.

Whatever your reasons for drug abuse, this is an extremely dangerous path to tread, and you should know that there is help available. Just call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist who can answer your questions and talk with you about your situation.