Many people will never have to deal with the struggle of addiction. However, a number of people eventually turn to drugs for a variety of reasons. People are wondering more and more, “Why do people use drugs?”, because of the growing number of drug users.
Why Do People Use Drugs?
The truth is that people use drugs for numerous reasons. Some people start using because their doctors give them a prescription. Whether the prescription is for an injury or illness, some develop a dependence on the drugs. Below are other common reasons for drug use.
Mental Illness
The leading reason why people use drugs is mental illness. Studies show that people who have mental illnesses are more likely to develop other illnesses in the future. Addiction itself is a mental disorder. Some of the most common mental illnesses that lead to addiction include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It is important to note, though, that individuals who use drugs like they’re supposed to can greatly benefit from medicinal therapy for mental illnesses.
Outside Influences
When people hang around others who use drugs, they’re more likely to use drugs too. For example, when they see family members, role models and friends do drugs, they rationalize the behavior. They think to themselves, “If they can do it, I can do it.”
Other outside influences can lead to drug abuse or addiction as well. When entertainers such as movie stars or singers use drugs, their fans think that drug use is cool. It’s important for people to know that this kind of behavior isn’t normal or cool.
Boredom
Believe it or not, there are individuals who begin doing drugs out of pure boredom. This behavior is more common in teens and young adults. People in this age range who have fewer responsibilities may find drugs to be a good source of entertainment. The best way to avoid this issue is by finding productive things to do to stay busy.
Stress
On the polar opposite side of things, some people do drugs because they have too much to do. Stress is a leading cause of drug abuse in both teens and adults. Teens who have too many after-school activities find themselves stressed. Often, they turn to drugs to cope with the stress but soon become reliant on them.
Stress can hit people in a number of ways. It can come from starting new jobs or schools. Stress can also develop when people have to make school or work deadlines.
Learn to Spot Triggers and Overcome Drug Addiction
If you’re a victim of drug addiction, remember that you don’t have to handle it alone. At our peaceful Arizona drug rehab, Pinnacle Peak Recovery can help you overcome addiction. We can also help you spot triggers that could lead to drug relapse. Some different drug addiction programs that we offer include:
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Inpatient rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Extended care
- Partial hospitalization programs
Don’t let illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs rule your life any longer. Let us lead you down the path of recovery. Reach out to us anytime at 866-377-4761 for more information and to get answers to question like, “why do people use drugs?”.
