In a world where life’s stresses are only becoming worse, drug abuse has become a global problem that impacts people from every phase of life. People turn to drugs for many reasons, just as the people want to fit in everyone’s life, the curiosity of young people, or an urge to escape the struggles of life.

Over 53 million individuals in the US took illegal drugs in 2018. In other words, around one in every five people used drugs during this period. You aren’t alone if you or a loved one is an addict. You can be a friend, sibling, or parent who is dealing with a loved one’s drug issue and have a lot of questions. Why do people use drugs? Why do they still decide to take drugs when so many others are harmed by them?

There are several reasons why people use drugs, which we are going to cover here. Sometimes, it’s because they’re hoping to feel better, feel satisfied, or feel like they fit in. The following are some of the most typical causes of first-time drug users:

1. Curiosity and Experimentation

Curiosity is a natural part of human growth, especially during adolescence, when the world seems massive and interesting to explore. This time is full of curiosity and a thirst to try something different, break boundaries, and challenge what is normal for youngsters. Unfortunately, some people may find themselves willing to cross limits when it comes to drugs. One could turn out extremely attracted to the mystery of the unknown and wonder, “What does it feel like?”

The adolescent brain is still growing, especially the parts that handle impulse control and decision-making processes. Teens are more likely to try drugs and other risky activities as a result. The pleasure of breaking the law or being an “adult” might make using drugs appear fun or even risk-free. They may say to themselves, “I’ll just try it once,” without considering all the possible consequences.

A fun exploration may later result in persistent usage and addiction. When someone tries drugs out of curiosity, their original interest may be replaced with a difficult-to-break dependency.

2) Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is an effective motivator, particularly for younger people. Teenagers who feel the urge to fit in or feel accepted by their friends might engage with drugs. The fear of being excluded from social situations and the influence of friends might encourage someone to start using drugs. This happened in environments like colleges and high schools, where drug use is common.

Almost everyone is impacted by peer pressure at a certain point, but young people are more likely to be negatively impacted by it. Peer pressure particularly affects 2024 teenagers. Teens feel pressured to follow their friends’ behavior when they observe the “cool crowd” openly drinking or consuming marijuana.

Sometimes using illegal and harmful substances is necessary to fit in. One drink might develop into a risky habit. It is crucial to teach individuals to accept and appreciate themselves for who they are.

3. Coping with Stress or Trauma

One of the prevalent feelings is stress. 8 out of 10 Americans reported feeling stressed throughout a two-week period, reported to a January 2021 American Psychological Association research.

Life is stuffed with difficulties, and for many individuals, the everyday problems may be overwhelming. Stress from job, education, relationships, or unresolved trauma from the past may all have a negative impact on a person’s mental and emotional health. Some people use drugs as a means of escape, providing momentary solace from their discomfort, worry, or stress. Alcohol, marijuana, and more potent narcotics can all have numbing effects that make it possible for users to temporarily forget about their problems.

But in the end, this coping mechanism is harmful and ineffective. Drugs may provide relief in the short term, but they frequently lead to long-term issues. Substance dependence may establish rapidly, resulting in addiction and making the initial stress or trauma more difficult to deal with.

4. Mental Health Issues

The prevalence of mental health problems is high. The CDC estimates that over 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental condition. However, this figure just includes individuals who ask for medical guidance. Too many people endure silent suffering. It might take years for the diagnosis of depression, anxiety, trauma, and other psychological conditions. In order to suppress their pain, a lot of people eventually turn to drugs or alcohol.

Drug self-medication is a risky strategy. While being high could temporarily make bad thoughts go away, this is not a healthy way to handle things. Users eventually require higher, more frequent doses to achieve the same outcome. A person who uses substances may suffer physical harm. drug use causes further problems of the heart, liver, lungs, that eventually leads to death. 

5. Family Influence

One shouldn’t ever underestimate the impact of family on a person’s tendency to take drugs. Youngsters who are raised in homes where drug use is common—among parents, siblings, or other close relatives are more prone to believe that abusing substances is acceptable behavior. Early exposure to drug usage may have influenced their belief that using drugs as a coping mechanism for life’s difficulties is normal. Since kids often replicate the behaviors they see at home, this exposure can lead to an addiction cycle which can be hard to escape. Genetics can also be a factor; certain people are more likely to get addicted because of their family’s history. 

6. Taking Pleasure

A basic human want is to find pleasure, and for some people, using drugs can be an alluring way to do so. Drugs may bring strong, immediate pleasure, whether it’s through the sedative effects of depressants, the exciting feeling of stimulants, or altered perceptions of hallucinogens. For those looking to escape from ordinary life’s dullness, feeling isolated, or boredom, this kind of pleasure may be particularly appealing. 

Drug usage may become habitual when people ask for the “high” that substances give because of the early pleasurable experiences with them. But the high from drug usage is usually short-lived, and the body soon develops a tolerance to the substance, meaning larger dosages are needed to have the same effect. This may result in a risky cycle of growing addiction and usage, leading to negative never going back consequences.

7. Social Influences

The society we live in encourages alcohol drinking on every occasion. At social gatherings such as events, consumers drink without any concerns. Movies and television show drug and alcohol abuse with hardly any negative consequences. The harm associated with “acceptable” drugs like marijuana is generally minimized by society.

Individuals turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of obtaining satisfaction in society as a result of this glorification. They think that until they are holding a drink or taking a hit from a joint, other people won’t accept them. 

What are the Risk Factors and Protective Factors for Drug Use?

Risk factors are events or conditions that influence drug usage and misuse. The probability of using drugs and having issues increases with the number of risk factors in their environment. Among the risk factors for drug use are:

• Poor performance in school or low grades
• Bullying or cyberbullying victim
• Inadequate self-worth
• Permissive parenting
• Alcohol or drug usage by an elder sibling or parent
• Reside in an area where young people’s drug, alcohol, and tobacco use is highly tolerated
• Attending a school with lax policies on drugs
• Belief that there isn’t much danger involved with drug use.

Getting Substance Abuse Help From HOZ

Addiction is the last thing that comes to mind when someone experiments with drugs for the first time. Instead, in order to fill a gap, people turn to these hazardous chemicals. However, a one-time incident might become a lifetime habit. Luckily, if you battle with a drug or alcohol addiction, treatment is available.

Holistic and conventional approaches are implemented by HOZ to treat drug dependence. We aim to treat the full person rather than just treating the symptoms. 
Are you still wondering what to do with teenagers using drugs? Arrange an appointment, and treat the underlying root cause of your addiction.