Drug addiction is defined as a disease consisting of the uncontrollable search for and consumption of a drug, where the individual is unable to consider the adverse consequences resulting from its abusive use. Although it is a chronic disease, it is possible to live without dependencies by starting a detoxification treatment led by an expert team in addictions.
Discussing treatments and how to resolve addiction is key to overcoming this disease, but it is also important to understand the reasons that lead a person to consume. In this way, it will be easier to anticipate and prevent consumption. We explain the 10 reasons why drugs are consumed.
What are the 10 reasons why drugs are consumed?
1. Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the main factors driving young people to consume drugs. During the experimentation stage, they may feel attracted to drug use because they want to know how it feels and experience some of the side effects they produce.
2. Rebellion
Especially during adolescence, there is a period of rebellion and disobedience of established rules, typically those imposed by adults, who are usually the parents.
3. Social pressure
Consumption can also occur due to the influence of third parties. This might involve an adolescent who is not naturally interested in drugs, but whose group of friends is, and they begin to try a substance. If they refuse to consume, their friends are likely to insist and incite them to do so. Due to not knowing how to say no, or for fear of rejection and being left out of their social circle, the person may give in and agree to try drugs.
4. Harmful environment
Being exposed from a young age to a harmful environment where drugs are consumed is a risk. For example, a home with alcoholic or drug-addicted parents where drug use has been normalized. From childhood, the young person lives with drugs, eventually normalizing these types of substances.
5. Lack of social skills
The individual may be a shy person who finds it difficult to relate to others. When they consume a drug, such as alcohol, they feel more social, able to relate better, and more disinhibited.
6. Relieving stress
Consuming drugs to relax and relieve stress can be the origin of an addiction. This applies to both illegal and legal drugs, such as prescription medications. Initially, it may seem that the drug calms negative feelings, but it is counterproductive and, in the long run, may even cause the opposite effect.
7. Traumatic experiences
Someone who has been exposed to very harsh and traumatic situations may develop mental health problems and traumas that require treatment. Drug use provides a momentary escape from reality.
8. Suffering from a mental illness
Related to the previous point, a person with a mental illness may resort to drug use to manage the side effects caused by their condition.
9. Sleep problems
Consuming a depressant drug that acts as a tranquilizer to help fall asleep more easily. A common situation is visiting a doctor for insomnia problems, being prescribed medication, and the person becoming completely dependent on these drugs.
10. Improving performance
Generally, drug use is linked to recreational and festive use. However, there is also a percentage of consumers who do so to feel more energetic and increase performance. Cocaine use is common for this purpose. The reality is that this is a myth; although it may initially give the sensation of increased energy, in the long run, the exact opposite will happen.
Causes of drug use
After learning the 10 main reasons why drugs are consumed, we will tell you about the three factors that explain drug addiction. Regarding genetic factors, genetic vulnerability will make certain individuals more prone to developing an addiction. This phenomenon explains why two people can consume exactly the same substance, at the same time and in an identical amount, yet one develops an addiction and the other does not. Having a family history of addiction can also be a trigger for developing these types of disorders.
External factors, such as environmental and developmental factors, also contribute. The environment in which a person finds themselves will affect their relationship with drugs. If a person is immersed in an environment where drugs are present and normalized, they will have a higher chance of consuming. Lack of resources, poverty, being subjected to high levels of stress, etc., are social and environmental elements that favor drug use. As mentioned previously, drug use is used as an escape route to evade reality.
Stages of consumption
We can establish 4 stages linked to drug use.
- Experimental use. This is the very first stage. It is consumed for fun, to enjoy, try, and experiment. The person can go without consuming and chooses when and how they consume.
- Regular use. The frequency of consumption increases, and the individual is very concerned about whether the drug is available to them or not. Strange behaviors begin to be detected that alert to drug use: change of company, irritability, mood swings, etc. Due to more habitual use, the individual begins to develop tolerance.
- Problematic use. In this phase, we can already state that a drug problem exists. The individual’s priority is to consume.
- Addiction. Repeated drug use has ultimately generated an addiction. The person is completely dependent on the drug, even if they deny the problem. The consequences of their consumption will affect all areas: social, professional, academic, family… Since the priority will always be to consume, above any other element or person.
Asking for help
CCAdicciones has a therapeutic, detoxification, and rehabilitation clinic that provides all the comforts, therapies, activities, and facilities necessary to carry out your treatment. You can look for the detoxification center closest to you, as we have a network of centers distributed throughout Spain. Do not hesitate; if you need to start treatment, contact us and we will help you start a new life away from addiction.
