Why Hooked on Drugs?

Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs can change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse.

A compulsion is a pressure that affects both the mind and the behavior.To the addict, this impulse to act, regardless of the rationality or consequence, appears irresistible. He will fee driven--even forced--to pursue a prescribed thought action.

Causes of Drug Addiction

1. Inability to cope with crisis

One of the typical causes of drug addiction is the inability to cope with crisis. Loss, disappointments, feelings of rejection, loneliness and failure frequently lead to physical and emotional symptoms. As symptoms of headaches, tension, sleeplessness, and depression increase, medications become a solution. Some will get prescription from a physician or try to medicate themselves.

2. Curiosity

Humans are born curious and information about drugs is everywhere.These drives individuals to take prohibited drugs because they become curios about it.

3. Gateway drugs

A person may have started out using something less addicting such as Marijuana and looking for a better high, they come in contact with heavier substances that offer a different type of high.

4. Peer pressure

Individuals are pressured by their peers when it comes to the so-called "the need to belong". If getting high is what is acceptable in your circle of friends, you will be pressured to perform or act in the same way.

5. Alteration of the perception of reality

Drug Addicts don't even realize what they are doing. They tend to blame their problems on those around them including their friends, co-workers and loved ones. And so being addicted to drugs actually makes them believe they need it to survive. They will go to great lengths to deny that their use of drugs is the reason for a deteriorating situation.

6. Environment

A person's environment includes many different influences--from family and friends to socioeconomic status and the quality of life in general.If a person is raised in an environment where drugs are part of life or are accepted, then it is more likely that they tend to be addicted to it.

Being addicted implies drug dependence.The longer a person uses, the higher the tolerance becomes and the more frequent the person needs to use in order to feel the high again.

But how can we help individuals especially teenagers from taking prohibited drugs?

Well, Prevention is the key.

Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs that involve families, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse, and for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.