Bad Habits That Lead To Drug Use

According to statistics from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, there were 12.8 million Americans (or 6% of the population) that were current drug users. Over a one-year period statistics from the National Institute on Drug abuse indicate that there are 23.5 million that have used drugs over the course of a year.  So, why do so many people come to use drugs? First, one must understand addiction. Drug addiction, which also includes alcohol, is a chronic, relapsing condition that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around him. For most people, the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary. Over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse may affect an individual’s self-control and ability to make prudent decisions. This happens when the chemicals from the drugs interfere with the brain’s communication system, disrupting the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Addictions can form from pretty much any type of drug or alcohol. Once the body is used to having something on a regular basis, it will want in all the time. This can be comparable to sugar, or caffeine. Most people can relate to needing their morning latte or their sugar fix in the afternoon. Addictions to drugs work in a similar way, only they are much more intense and much more detrimental to ones health.

Most Common Reasons For Drug Use

There are many reasons why one begins to use drugs. Listed below are the main culprits. One should take the time to go over them so that they are able to recognize and prevent them.

• Boredom/Lack of Productive Activities

Some people, especially teens, have trouble keeping themselves occupied. Many also crave excitement, but lack the resources to fulfill these desires with productive activities. This can lead to drug use, commonly marijuana and alcohol, often with other teens who do the same. This furthers the drug use, as it becomes a group activity.

• Escape/Self-Medication

Many people begin using drugs as a way to escape from the everyday problems of life. This is common with teens, as they are beginning to experience the pressures of responsibility and growing up. Stress from homework, low grades, drama with friends and/or relationships, and home life can lead to a teen using drugs. As for adults, stressful situations such as, loss of job, break-up, and money problems are all common reasons to start self-medicating with drugs.

• Giving In To Peer Pressure

There is a tremendous amount of bullying and peer pressure that takes place in schools and other social groups. Many teens believe that by giving in to these pressures, they will fit in and won’t be tormented anymore.

• Following Popular Media

As with peer pressure, there is a lot of pressure to fit in and be cool. Media also sets the standards of what is considered cool. In fact, 42 percent of teens agreed that movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an OK thing to do. In addition, 12 to 17 year olds who viewed three or more “R” movies per month were more likely to smoke cigarettes, use marijuana and drink alcohol compared to those who didn’t watch “R” rated films.

Habits That Lead to Drug Use

With that said there are also some bad habits that lead to drug use. Some of these include things like excess drinking, not saying no to drugs, staying out to late or hanging with the ‘wrong crowd.’ The best way to stay away from drugs is to not develop these bad habits in the first place as well as being educated on why people take drugs so you don’t fall into the trap.