Why do people take drugs? - Info pack

The reasons why individuals may turn to drugs, despite the potential for harm, are multifaceted and complex. Legal substances like nicotine and alcohol, while widely accepted, are not without their risks; alcohol is linked to a staggering number of preventable deaths annually. People often use these substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate anxiety, trauma, or stress. Prescription medications, too, can be misleading in their perceived safety. Opiate-based prescriptions, for instance, have a high potential for addiction and can be a stepping stone to illicit drug use. The social aspect plays a significant role as well, with peer pressure and the desire to fit in being primary motivators for young adults and teenagers to start experimenting with drugs, often without a full understanding of the possible consequences.

Other factors influencing drug use include the pursuit of pleasure or relief from negative feelings such as stress and anxiety. The ease of access to substances like prescription drugs, nicotine, and alcohol can facilitate the development of addictions. Furthermore, the concept of a 'gateway' drug is not unfounded, with substances like marijuana and prescription painkillers sometimes leading to the use of more potent and dangerous drugs. Experimentation with drugs perceived as experience enhancers can quickly spiral into addiction. Finally, self-medication is a common theme, with individuals using drugs and alcohol to cope with various issues including mental health disorders, physical pain, and emotional trauma. The task at hand is to consider counter-arguments to each of these reasons, encouraging critical thinking about personal agency, the financial costs, and the impact on relationships and health.