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