Drug addiction is a very significant danger that we are facing today. And with the ease of access of drugs, both legal and illegal, this is a menace that is growing. Here are the main causes of this potent problem that society is suffering from.
Anyone addicted to drugs cannot live without them for long. By taking drugs, an individual tries to escape from harsh realities of life. There are different forms of drug addiction. A person can be addicted to prescription drugs, street drugs (heroin, cocaine), alcohol, tobacco, or inhalant. Various factors may lead a person to this sorry state.
Factors Leading to Drug Addiction
High-level sports competition
Top-level athletes use drugs to boost their performance. Amphetamines eliminate or reduce pain allowing the injured sportsperson to play. Steroids are used for muscle-building.
Prescription drugs
The affected person takes higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed, and continues taking it even after his medical condition is cured. The reason is that these drugs, if consumed in larger quantities, provide greater relief.
Job stress
Pressure at work, a ruthless boss, bad relations with one’s colleagues, and the danger of losing one’s job are factors that can cause a person to turn to drugs like alcohol.
Physical abuse
This could lead to trauma in the affected individual especially if it has happened in childhood. Drugs are a way of reducing the trauma.
Marital problems
Bad relations with one’s spouse, house fights and divorce cause emotional disturbance. Drugs are a way of reducing distress.
Curiosity and the urge to experiment
One may want to experience a ‘high’ or want to know how it feels. This could be the start of drug addiction.
Peer pressure
Being along with friends who are drug addicts could encourage one to take drugs. It is socially acceptable in this circle.
School/college problems
Failure in examinations, study workload, and problems with peers are some causes that cause many students to resort to drugs as an answer.
Financial difficulties
These cause great stress on the mind. Drugs are a way to escape from the realities of life.
Poor self-esteem
This leads to depression and probably consequent drug abuse.
Loss of a loved one
Bereavement leads to feeling of emptiness and emotional distress. A person may resort to drugs to combat this situation.
Loneliness
An isolated individual tries to compensate of the lack of a social network by taking drugs.
Failed romance
The ending of a relationship could lead to heartbreak and mental agony encouraging the afflicted person to turn to drugs.
Low cost and easy access to drugs
With drugs being readily available on the streets, many teenagers are tempted to try them. The initial drugs do not even cost much, like nicotine (cigarettes), alcohol (beer), and marijuana (weed). Regular use of these makes the person want more, both in quantity and potency, which leads to the person becoming an addict.
Mental illnesses
The affected person is generally depressed and takes drugs to alleviate the sorrowful feelings.
One must to try to get out of the grip of drug addiction, which can be achieved by counseling, yoga, exercise, and joining a rehab center. Acquiring a good social network also helps.
It is never too late to leave drugs. Act before the situation deteriorates. You should be strong enough to face life without the crutch of drugs.
