Common Reasons Why People Abuse Substances

It is the abuse of substances that eventually can lead to addiction. It’s not necessarily that a person has a drink every once in awhile. It’s more that a person has been drinking or using drugs excessively and that there is a certain kind of pleasure that is derived from substance use. Of course, most everyone experiences pleasure from alcohol. However, if that pleasure is used as an escape from one’s problems or to feel better to the point of developing a dependence upon a substance, then an addiction might eventually occur.

Yet, in addition to needing an escape or needing to change your mood, there are many reasons why a person might turn to substances. Common reasons include:
•    Stress from work
•    Grief from loss of a loved one
•    Boredom
•    Peer pressure
•    Conditioning from one’s upbringing where use of substances was considered normal
•    Rebelliousness
•    To avoid life’s problems
•    To boost one’s self confidence
•    Financial problems
•    To cope with symptoms of a mental illness
•    Relationship issues

These aren’t the only reasons why a person might turn to drinking or use of drugs. There may be many other reasons. And people can turn to all sorts of substances. These can include:
•    Alcohol
•    Prescription drugs – like Ritalin and Klonopin
•    Inhalants
•    Stimulants – such as cocaine and crystal meth
•    Depressants
•    Hallucinogens

It’s important to note too that just because a person is feeling stressed or any of the above listed experiences, he or she may not necessarily turn to substances. There are other factors that can play a role in why someone might drink or use drugs. For instance, one’s environment can have an impact on whether a person decides to use drugs to feel better. If there are other family members, coworkers, and peers for instance who are using drugs and alcohol on a regular basis, then choosing to do so might feel easy. However, if you were raised in a home without drugs and alcohol or if you spend time with those who rarely use drugs or drink then it may feel strange or awkward to use drugs or alcohol as a means to cope.  Instead, a person might come up with another means to cope – such as overworking to avoid feelings of grief or anger.

Another factor in whether a person uses substances is the severity of his or her situation. Some men and women never think about drinking or using drugs. Yet, when faced with severe financial issues or when battling a terminal illness or even when losing a loved one, then substances might become an option. At the same time, if one’s situation is severe enough, he or she might skip substances altogether and perhaps begin to think about suicide instead.

The point is that there are many factors that can play a role in whether a person chooses to use substances. However, the above list provides common scenarios that trigger a person towards drugs and alcohol.

If you found yourself in one of the above situations and you’re struggling with substance use, contact a mental health provider for support.

Behavioral Addictions versus an Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol

Anything that stimulates excitement or pleasure can contribute to the development of an addiction. Although most people think of drugs or alcohol when they think of addiction, there are other types of addictions that experts call behavioral addictions. These are addictions that involve a behavior versus a substance. For instance, a person can be addicted to shopping, the thrill of gambling, or the pleasure of having sex. When a person engages in a particular behavior in order to access pleasure or stimulation, there is always the possibility that that behavior might be addictive. And when a habitual behavior (such as regular gambling) becomes an obligation, it has become an addiction.

An obligation in this case means that a person feels like he or she needs to engage in that behavior and that a person cannot stop. Whether it is with a behavior or a substance, when a person loses the ability to stop, there's a good chance that an addiction has set in. In fact, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), an addiction is anything an individual has lost power over. The American Psychiatric Association, the publishers of the DSM, have finally included behavioral addictions in this reference manual. The DSM now includes non-substance addictions, such as Internet use, and any other behavior that brings a rush of pleasure to the brain.

When the brain is stimulated by a particular activity that brings excitement, it fills with dopamine, which feels pleasurable. Over time, as one continues to engage in that activity, there is a dependency that slowly develops upon those feelings of pleasure. In fact, this can become so strong that an addiction can develop such that it affects one's functioning at home or work. If you notice your performance at work declining or a neglect of family or household responsibilities, perhaps there's an addiction. In addition to not being able to stop, another classic symptom of addiction is the continued use of a drug, or in this case a behavior, to the exclusion of other life-activities.

Although the similarities and differences might be obvious between substance addictions and behavioral addictions, some experts have pointed them out in order to provide the best treatment. For instance, a behavioral addiction such as gambling is similar to drug addiction with the exception that a person does not have to endure any of the physical ailments that an addiction to heroin, for example, might create. With gambling and other behavioral addictions, a person is created to the feeling that is brought about by the behavior. With a drug or alcohol addiction, a person might experience physical signs of substance use, such as red eyes, wounded arms (from injections), red nostrils (from snorting substances), high levels of anxiety or paranoia, and other signs of drug or alcohol use. While it might seem obvious that a behavioral addiction would not have any of these signs, experts have stated that there are certain symptoms that are noticeable. For instance, a person might show signs of anxiety, depression, paranoia, or fear. Furthermore,  those who experience behavioral addictions might experience the same consequences, such as neglect of work, social, or family responsibilities. A person with this type of addiction might also experience certain obsessions and engage in other obsessive behaviors.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an addiction, whether it is behavioral or a substance addiction, contact a mental health provider today.