Why do people abuse drugs?

THE MOST COMMON REASONS
There are many reasons why people use illegal drugs, curiosity is possible the most common. There are other possibilities:

• To avoid feeling bored - some may think that drug taking is daring and exciting.
• Peer pressure, to join in with others and belong to a ‘special’ group.
• To feel more self confident.
• As an escape from problems at home and school, or as an escape from outside pressures.
• To relax and ‘feel good’.
• Ease of access to drugs.
• Some medications, such as sleeping pills and painkillers, are physically addictive.

MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

Illegal drugs!? Yes. They are illegal and some are even used in advertisements on TV, magazines, newspapers or even the radio however, the portrayal of illegal drugs in plays, films and availability of them on the internet can affect or change people's opinions about drugs in general.

Advertisements may promote drinking or smoking as a social activity or link use to the achievement of success; magazine and TV advertisements may also promote use of over-the-counter medications as treatments for minor ailments; characters in plays or films may provide models for healthy or unhealthy substance use; the Internet provides access to information on drugs through sources ranging from government public awareness materials to "how to" manuals advising on the illegal use or manufacture of drugs.

CURIOSITY

Since curiosity is a natural aspect of human behavior, it is not surprising or shocking that most of the drug abusers are youngsters, tempted to experiment with either legal or illegal drugs. Also, these days, although there are advertisements and billboards on the streets which exemplify not to cooperate and abuse drugs, there are always bad friends who are taking drugs and trouble occurs.

CELEBRATION

It is also important to consider the religious and cultural aspects too as drugs might be used in a celebration, family occasion or as a religious/cultural practice.

EMOTIONAL PRESSURE

Another concept or idea of why people abuse drugs are probably because of emotional pressure. There are many people in this world who abuse drugs to relieve various amounts of emotional issues such as stress, anger, depression or even boredom. Some drugs can even be used for boosting self-confidence.

PEER PRESSURE

This is one of the biggest issues in the world as peers are your peers, but they can be dangerous. There are many people who feel social pressure on consumption of alcohol or any type of drugs. Sometimes, for example, there is always a social group who want to look cool and accept only people who will smoke, creating isolations amongst others who don't smoke.