People who struggle with addiction often turn to illicit drugs as a way to cope with life for several reasons:
- Emotional Escape — Drugs can provide temporary relief from stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional pain.
- Self-Medication — Some individuals use drugs to manage untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions.
- Peer Pressure & Environment — Social circles, family influences, or a difficult upbringing can push someone toward drug use.
- Pleasure & Euphoria — Many drugs trigger the brain’s reward system, creating pleasurable sensations that can become addictive.
- Lack of Coping Skills — Some individuals haven’t learned healthier ways to handle stress, emotions, or challenges.
- Trauma & Abuse — Those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events may turn to drugs to numb their pain.
- Physical Dependency — Over time, drug use can create a cycle where the body craves the substance to function normally.
- Societal & Economic Pressures — Poverty, job loss, or lack of opportunities can drive people toward drugs as an escape.
While drugs may offer temporary relief, addiction ultimately worsens a person’s problems, creating a destructive cycle that can be hard to break.
Shervan K Shahhian
