What Causes Drug Abuse?
It’s extremely hard to pin point why people begin to abuse drugs in the first place. However over time and repetition of this ever increasing problem, it has allowed us to better understand why people begin to abuse drugs and eventually become addicted to it. In fact, according to findings from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in the US, it was found that “The rate of current use of illicit drugs among young adults aged 18 to 25 increased from 19.7 percent in 2008 to 21.4 percent in 2011.” If you are wondering what causes drug abuse, in this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know. But first, let’s define drug abuse.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse can be defined as the continuous use of a narcotic substance to the point it causes damage in your life. The signs of drug abuse include:
1. The use of drugs has led to poor performances and slow or no productivity in the workplace.
2. Using drugs at a time where it could be harmful to the safety of themselves and others.
For example, driving while intoxicated or using heavy and potentially dangerous machinery at work while under the influence of the narcotic substance. The drug use has damaged and broken relationships with people closest to them.
For example, divorce from marriage and the loss of old friends.
What is the Difference between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction?
What many people don’t know is that drug abuse and addiction are two completely different things. So how exactly do they differ? Well, a drug abuser will continue to use drugs, even if they know it’s having a harmful effect on their health, career and social life. An addict however, is completely dependent on drugs. The addicted individual will have built up an increased tolerance to the narcotic substance (the person will need to use more to experience effects that were once achieved through lower dosages). The drug addict will also experience physical and mental discomfort when the addictive substance isn’t available. These feelings are known as withdrawal symptoms.
What Causes People to Abuse Drugs?
The decision to use drugs in the first place most commonly a voluntary one. However, when an addiction forms, it is solely the addicts fault.
Here are some of the reasons why people begin to abuse drugs:
Inquisitiveness
This happens commonly in teenagers and young adults who want to experience the pleasurable and enjoyable effects that drugs create. Once they experience the ‘high’, the individual may begin to abuse the drug on a more regular and continuous basis.
Lack of Self-Respect
Many people begin to abuse drugs in order to fit in with a certain crowd or obtain some sort of social acceptance from their peers.
The Need for More
As I mentioned above, once the individual experiences the effects of the drug, they will want to use it more and more to experience that same feeling. However, that’s how the drug tricks you into becoming addicted to it. When a person uses the drug over a prolonged period of time, their body will eventually become accustomed to the amount being taken and the need to experience the euphoria again will only cause the drug abuser to use more and more of the narcotic substance. Over time and continued use, the drug abuse may eventually develop into a full blown drug addiction.
It’s in Your Genes
If you have a family member that was previously addicted to drugs, then there’s a higher chance that you will become an addict over someone who doesn’t have a family history of addiction.
Call Us Now For Help
If you or a loved one abuses drugs, then it’s important to get professional help immediately, before it’s too late! We provide access into only the best private drug rehabilitation centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand. Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors find the best treatment for you or your loved one.