Life is all about making choices. Whether those choices help us or harm us, they are our choices to make. One choice that some people make is to start using drugs. This choice can have damaging and sometimes deadly consequences if people don’t get the help they need to get back on track. Why do people choose to start using drugs in the first place?

Let’s take a look at several common reasons and how people can get the help they need.

Common Reasons Why People Start Using Drugs

While everyone’s specific reasons to start using drugs is different, there are several reasons that many people have in common.

Being Unhappy at Home

Home is supposed to be the one place we feel safe and happy. But, for many people, that’s not the case. Some people’s homes can be filled with anger, violence, and unhappy emotions. Whether it’s younger people or adults, having an unhappy home life can contribute to drug use^[1].

Trouble at School or Work

Besides feelings of unhappiness at home, being unhappy at school or work can also lead to drug use. If teens are having a hard time at school and not performing well, they may look for ways to get their minds off of these types of problems. The same goes for adults in the working world. Anytime there is some type of discord, people look for ways to get their minds off of them and try to feel better.

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Mental Health Problems

Having depression and anxiety can also lead to drug use. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 20 percent of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder, such as depression, have an alcohol or other substance abuse disorder^[2]. They may turn to drugs or alcohol to try to make them feel better.

Hanging around Other People Who Use Drugs

When people hang around other people who use drugs or alcohol frequently, they may also pick up those habits. They may just try it at first but then may pick up the habit to fit in with the rest of the crowd. Then they may experience physical dependence on the substance.

To Escape and Ease the Pain

Some people want to escape from their everyday life and turn to drugs and alcohol to do that. Using drugs can also be a way to ease physical or emotional pain. Drugs and alcohol turn on the parts of the brain that make you feel good. In the beginning, a small dose can be effective. Over time, your brain gets used to it and craves more to get the same effect. This is what can lead to drug and alcohol abuse.

When this happens, it’s important to get professional help to learn how to live a life without depending on drugs or alcohol.

Getting Help at Ocean Hills Recovery

At Ocean Hills Recovery, we understand that people choose to start using drugs for different reasons. No matter the reason, our team of professionals is here to give you the help you need. When you decide to seek help, our team will develop a treatment plan that works for you.

We not only help people detox to free their bodies of the substances that are making them unhealthy, but we also teach them how to live a full and happy life without them. Our personalized and compassionate programs aim to help people discover why they started using drugs and alcohol and why they don’t need them to live a happy life.

If you’re ready to take the first step in discovering a sober life, call Ocean Hills Recovery today or contact us online. Let us help you live the life you deserve.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/criminal-justice/science-drug-use-discussion-points

[2] https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/substance-abuse

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Why do People Start Using Drugs?