WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS?

Why do people take drugs? There isn’t a specific answer because it changes from person to person. But there are common reasons why teens are most likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Here’s a list of four main reasons why young people (mostly aged 14-18) take drugs.

Drugs make them feel good 

Most of the drugs can become addictive because they produce a strange feeling of pleasure and euphoria that doesn’t last forever. These feelings are caused by a hormone called dopamine that controls our pleasure while we do activities like playing videogames and using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. Dopamine works like that: when you stop doing something that makes you feel good, dopamine ensures that you always want more. So you can’t stop even if you want to.

To feel part of a group

If all of your friends smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, to fit in, to be accepted by them, it’s a “duty” for you to do the same things, even if you know it’s not good for you and for your friends. You should never do something just because everyone’s doing it: you should think with your mind and make your own decisions, not follow the mass. Don’t be scared of losing your friends: you might be sad but you have to understand that they are not good friends if they are trying to take you down to the wrong path.

Drugs help you perform better

People who practise sports may use a special drugs called steroids to improve their skills (strength, resistance, speed…) and performances. When athletes use drugs is called doping. But that is illegal, it’s not accepted in competitions and you might be disqualified for a very long time. But if you overuse steroids you can have serious side effects. For example, men can develop breast while women may acquire male characteristics like a deeper voice.

To escape from difficult situations

If you’re bullied or you live in a violent and abusive family where one or both of your parents use drugs, then it’s likely that you’re going to take the same path. Especially in youth, parents have the duty to educate you, so inevitably, you will assume their habits. Parents should guide their kids into making positive and healthy decisions about drug use.

If you know someone who is addicted to drugs, talk with him/her and try to convince him/her to talk with an expert. Tell him/her not to keep it secret because it’s going to destroy himself/herself.

Maria