Causes of Drug Addiction

It was nighttime. The house was pitch dark. There was the sound of approaching footsteps. A person was coming holding a torch in his trembling hand. Even though the weather was cold, sweat was dripping from his face. His heart was pounding like mad. An overriding urge was within him that he must get "it". Finally he got what he was searching for - something looking like powdered sugar. He grabbed a fistful of the substance and swallowed it hastily. An overpowering sensation of relief engulfed him. Now he could relax.

Do you know someone who has an experience similar to this? Then chances are that he is suffering from drug addiction. This is a very common and dangerous condition. The person cannot live without the drugs. Taking drugs are a way by which an individual tries to escape from the harsh realities of life.

There are different forms of drug addiction. A person can be addicted to prescription drugs, street drugs (like heroin or cocaine), alcohol, tobacco or inhalants.

Let us find out what are the factors, which cause an individual to be in this sorry state.

Some of them are listed below: -

• High-level sports competition.Top level athletes use drugs to boost their performance. Amphetamines eliminate or reduce pain allowing the injured sportsperson to play. Steroids are used for muscle building.
• Prescription drugs. The affected person takes higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed and continues taking it even after his medical condition is cured. The reason is that these drugs if consumed in larger quantities provide greater relief.
• Job stress. Pressure at work, a ruthless boss, bad relations with one’s colleagues and the danger of losing one’s job are factors.
• Sexual/Physical abuse. This could lead to trauma in the affected individual especially if it has happened in childhood. Drugs are a way of reducing the trauma.
• Marital problems. Bad relations with one’s spouse, house fights, infidelity and divorce cause emotional disturbance. Drugs are a way of reducing distress.
• Curiosity and the urge to experiment. One may want to experience a "high" or want to know how it feels. This could be the starting of drug addiction.
• Peer pressure. Being along with friends who are drug addicts could encourage one to take drugs. It is socially acceptable in this circle.
• School/College problems. Failure in examinations, study workload and problem with peers are some causes.
• Financial difficulties. These cause great stress in the mind. Drugs are a route to escapism.
• Poor self esteem. This leads to depression and probably consequent drug abuse.
• Loss of a loved one. Bereavement leads to feeling of emptiness and emotional distress. A person may resort to drugs for combating this situation.
• Loneliness. An isolated individual tries to compensate of the lack of a social network by taking drugs.
• Failed romance. The ending of a relationship could lead to heartbreak and mental agony encouraging the afflicted person to turn to drugs.
• Low cost and easy access to drugs.This increases drug consumption.
• Mental illnesses. The affected person is generally depressed and takes drugs to alleviate the sorrowful feelings.

One must to try to get out of the grip of drug addiction. This can be achieved by counseling, Yoga, exercise and joining a deaddiction center. Acquiring a good social network also helps. It is never too late to try. Act before the situation deteriorates. You should be strong enough to face life without the crutch of drugs.