While there are a few people who use prescription and recreational drugs without getting addicted, many individuals begin to be emotionally and physically dependent on the substances. Numerous persons who get addicted to recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, always start through experimentation. Most do such tests in their teenage years. However, instances of adults experimenting and consequently becoming addicts are continually increasing. At the experimentation stage, most do not think they will be addicted. It is easy for them to assume that they can stop whenever they want.
The truth is that most recreational drug users do not become addicts. A majority begin experimenting to fit in with their peers. There are numerous causes of drug abuse in men and women and adults and teenagers. The reasons vary greatly from one person to another, and some seem to get addicted instantly. Researchers blame addictions on the fact that most of these recreational drugs contain addictive substances. Here are several reasons that may lead to drug addiction:
1. Stressful Situations
In life, anxiety is inevitable. Each person, at some point in their lives, will experience events that will be stressful. Sometimes, the pressure may be mild while other times, it may be chronic. People also react to stressful situations differently. Some find ways to cope with it while others feel overwhelmed and defeated. The effects of stressful situations often touch on most significant systems. It often overloads people with substance abuse and consequent addiction.
Several studies have found that there are links between drug and alcohol addiction to anxiety. Chronic stress is a significant substance abuse risk factor. It is known that pressure causes numerous brain changes that create a potential for addiction. For instance, when childhood trauma and prolonged overtax are present, the development of the prefrontal lobe is affected. This is the section of the brain that is responsible for impulse control and higher levels of thinking.
2. Inability to Cope
Being 100% stress-free in life is impossible. It is critical to find ways to cope with stressful situations. The ability to cope with mental and physical stress is a skill that is underrated; most people never really learn how to deal with stress. Without a healthy coping strategy, even simple stressors of everyday life tend to be considerably difficult to deal with.
As a result, it has been found that most people who come from rehab facilities are often left with numerous stressful situations to deal with and not enough healthy coping strategies to use. The inability to cope causes individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol instead of finding healthy ways of dealing with stresses. Drugs and alcohol do not indeed reduce stress. Instead, they cause problems that make it more difficult to deal with stressful issues. This is because drugs offer temporary relief that takes over, so the brain is left without any work to do.
3. Low Self-esteem
Self-esteem is defined as the confidence an individual has in their abilities. This self-respect plays a considerable role in the chances that a person will abuse alcohol and drugs. A person with low self-esteem is likely to be influenced by the world around them. For instance, one would have serious issues overcoming negative feelings and thoughts and may turn to their peers and the people around them for activities to engage in. If the environment is contrary, it is likely that such an individual will fall into drug abuse to fit in. As a result, an addict ends up engaging in actions that are contrary to their core values.
4. Social Pressures
For decades, peer pressure, especially amongst teens, has been known as the primary cause of drug abuse. In fact, the most common cause of drug and alcohol abuse is peer pressure. People often have the urge to fit into the environment they are in. Social groups that support drug and alcohol encourage individuals to start using substances. Social organizations that promote recovery allow individuals to escape drug abuse. Most drug users had their first drug introduced to them by a friend. However, as people grow older, social pressures reduce, but it still has a massive impact on how people act.
5. Academic Pressures
Reports show that the use of prescription and recreational drugs is increasing amongst students both in colleges and high schools. Students continuously feel academic pressures to perform well, get great careers, join excellent schools, and stay on top of their games. To cope, they are getting into drugs to get that temporary relief. Students find it relatively easy to get their hands on prescription drugs and some fake symptoms to get some medication prescribed to them.
6. Work Pressures
Work pressures are likely to cause professionals to engage in substance abuse. Workplaces with excessive pressure heighten the likelihood of an individual getting into drugs. Combat soldiers, emergency staff, and fishermen tend to have more pressure than other employees. Some workplaces have unreasonable expectations on their staff, thus encouraging them to get into substance abuse to deal with anxiety.
7. Traumatic Experience
Often, throughout their life tend to experience chronic and unique traumatic events. People who have a traumatic experience such as PTSD tend to use drugs to cope with such issues. Initially, they may feel better because the drugs encourage the brain to activate reward centers. As such, the user experiences pleasurable sensations. It tends to mask the drug user’s negative emotions.
