Behind the Choice: Why People Turn to Drugs

Your mind races. You feel out of control and agitated. You want to stop feeling these overwhelming sensations of sadness, anger, worry, and hopelessness. You don't want to feel much of anything. Drugs seem like the easiest solution to achieve the numbness you seek.

But what if turning to drugs isn’t the best way to find relief? With the right support, a lasting way to soothe your uncomfortable emotions is possible.

Keep reading to find out why people use drugs and how drug addiction can be treated. We’ll walk you through how you can find the support you need and solace you’re looking for. 

‍

Table of Contents

• What Is the Main Reason People Abuse Drugs?
• Why Do People Use Drugs? 10 Reasons People Turn to Substance Abuse
• Can Drug Addiction Be Treated?
• Clear Steps Recovery: Offering Professional and Compassionate Personalized Drug Rehab Programs 

‍

People may use drugs for several different reasons. Although the biggest influence cannot be determined, most people who do, do so because of environmental stressors, genetic vulnerability, social pressures, or mental health conditions.

#1: Escape Pain and Trauma

Someone who has been through trauma or experiences chronic stress may use drugs to self-medicate the pain that they feel. Research indicates that drug dependence problems are more likely to occur among people with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Reliance on drugs used to escape troubling trauma-associated memories, nightmares, or heightened physical and emotional reactivity may inhibit coping strategies and lead to an even more dangerous drug-related trajectory.

No matter the reason for what causes people to do drugs in times of pain, addiction treatment can help. At Clear Steps Recovery, we believe that recovering from addiction is a physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual path of healing.

Our compassionate team uses evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to treat substance use disorders. Contact us and take your first step towards easing your inner struggles with the support you need.

#2: Seek Pleasure and Euphoria

Drugs can excite the brain, causing some people to experience the feeling of happiness or invincibility. But the high doesn’t last for long. Studies on drug abuse have led to the recognition of addiction as a chronic disease of the brain.

Dopamine neurons play a key role in the processing of reward-related stimuli. However, repeated exposure to different types of drugs has been associated with the downregulation of D2 receptors in the striatum, the part of the brain involved in reward, motivation, and impulse control.

If drug use continues, some people find that they may need to take more of a drug or use it more often to feel the euphoria that the drug first gave them. Pleasurable activities become less enjoyable, and a person may need to use more drugs to feel a sense of feeling normal again.

#3: Cope With Mental Health Challenges

About 50 percent of people with severe mental disorders have co-occurring substance-use disorders. Here are some conditions that people may use drugs to self-medicate:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Insomnia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Social phobia

People may use alcohol and drugs to relieve the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder or cope with unpleasant emotions. Unfortunately, substance abuse may worsen these symptoms or perhaps even trigger new symptoms.  

#4: Conform To Peer Pressure

Feeling the pressure to fit in or gain acceptance from others may lead some people to partake in substance use, especially in an environment where drug use is considered an acceptable thing to do.

One study of adolescent anxiety and substance abuse found that socially anxious youth are more susceptible to peer pressure, making it more challenging for them to resist the use of drugs.

Substance use often becomes a coping mechanism for difficult situations of those dealing with the pressures to conform. Those exposed to these social pressures may be faced with an increased risk of use over time and possible substance dependence.

#5: Curiosity and Experimentation

Simply wondering what it would feel like can be what causes people to do drugs. The intrigue of the unknown combined with media portrayals of substance abuse can ignite curiosity which may lead to experimentation with drugs.

Social networking sites provide a platform for people to discuss and share images of substance use. Some research indicates that illicit drug use is highest among 18-25 year-olds, the same age range as the most active users of internet and social media websites.

#6: Deal With Stress and Pressure

People who experience the weight of overwhelming responsibilities and pressure to succeed may be susceptible to drug use to cope with their stress. While drugs may temporarily provide respite, the misuse of drugs can make stress more pronounced.

The prolonged use of drugs to deal with stress and pressure can cause changes to areas of the brain responsible for impulse control, motivation, pleasure, and behavior. Over time, these changes can make it extremely difficult for a person to stop using drugs.

Drug rehab services can help. At Clear Steps Recovery, our flexible day treatment rehab services are personalized with the client in mind and designed for long-term recovery. The steps of our program usually involve:

• Client intake and initial assessment
• Medical detox
• Individual and group therapy
• Medication management
• Aftercare services

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, you no longer have to be alone. Contact us today to learn more.

#7: Genetic and Biological Factors

Substance use disorder can often run in families. Specific genes passed down may put a person at higher risk for drug addiction.

Twin studies help shed light on the relationship between genetics and drug use. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share about 50%. Results indicate that identical twins may have higher concordance rates for drug use and addiction than fraternal twins, which suggests a genetic influence over drug addiction.

#8: Environmental Influences

Environmental factors may play a large role in what causes people to do drugs. Research suggests that proximity to illicit drug sales and ease of access are associated with higher rates of drug use.

Neighborhood disadvantage and disorder may also influence the likelihood of illicit drug use. The same research shows that an environment offering alternative leisure activities can discourage substance use, such as access to:

• Recreation centers
• Libraries
• After school programs
• Parks and green spaces
• Medical and social services
• Religious institutions

#9: Lack of Education and Awareness

Without the knowledge or education about the potential risks and long-term effects of drug use, people may be more inclined to experiment with drugs. Misunderstanding or misinformation about drug use can hinder prevention efforts and make it difficult to recognize symptoms of substance addiction.  

#10: Cope With Life Transitions

Life transitions can create challenges that may be difficult to deal with. Some people may turn to drug abuse to help cope with feelings of stress, uncertainty, or fears of the future.

Some examples of life transitions may include:

• Career changes
• Separation or divorce
• Financial changes
• Health challenges
• Moving homes
• Loss of a loved one

To find a sense of stability during a period of transition, some people may turn to drugs as a way to control the upheaval they are experiencing. 

Yes, drug addiction can be treated and managed successfully. With the right support, you can get the help you need to break the cycle of addiction and promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer a variety of programs to provide a customized plan of treatment, including: 

• Day treatment rehab
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Family support program
• Aftercare program
• Men’s and women’s programs

If you or someone you love struggles with drug addiction, there is hope.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we understand that recovery from drug abuse can be painful and challenging. Our drug rehab programs are designed to meet your unique needs and to achieve and maintain successful sobriety for a happier and healthier you. 

Our goal is to provide a comfortable and safe environment for you to realize your own innate health. The decision to seek treatment is only the first step, but it’s the most crucial and is where clarity begins.

Call us today to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.