Drug Addiction Stories

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually some surprising reasons why people may begin and continue to use drugs.  It’s for the following reasons that anyone who is using or addicted to drugs not be judged, but helped.  Here are some of the top ten reasons people use drugs.

1. They are legal: Yes, you read that right.  Some of the drugs that have the most users are completely legal.  Nicotine and alcohol are not illegal and yet they are highly addictive.

2. They are prescribed: There are many different medications, which are prescribed for a specific purpose, but because of the reaction of the brain to these medications, people easily become addicted.  Some examples of these are pain medications, anti-anxiety meds, muscle relaxers and more.

3. Rebellion: Chances are many who are now adults did the same thing, but teenagers often begin using drugs as an act of rebellion or peer pressure.  They experiment with drugs and alcohol.  Some become addicted, some do not.

4. Self Medication: People live with varying degrees of stressors in their lives.  There are times when instead of seeking the advice of a doctor, they begin to medicate themselves with marijuana, street drugs, or even perhaps alcohol.

5. Boredom: There are those that begin to experiment with drugs simply because they are bored or they feel emptiness in their lives.  They are searching for something and mistakenly think that the answer is drugs or alcohol.

6. Peer Pressure: Not only teens, but many adults begin to experiment with drugs because their friends do.  They begin casually at a gathering or a party, and continue on from there.  Many times, this leads to addiction.

7. It Feels Good: If addictive drugs made people deathly ill every time they tried it, people probably would not become addicted.  However, this is not what happens.  Cocaine, Meth, Marijuana, and many other drugs make a person feel very, very good when they begin using them.  This leads to drug addiction even though the good feelings get harder and harder to experience with time.

8. Curiosity: The power of curiosity should never be underestimated.  Many people, young and old try drugs simply to see what will happen.  They are curious as to the effects of the drug and start using for no other reason than to find out what it feels like.

9. Availability: Prescription drugs and street drugs are extremely accessible to anyone who wants to find them.  They can be purchased on the street, through doctors, on-line pharmacies, and even through black market websites.

10. Enhancement: Drug use and abuse very often starts with people drinking alcohol.  When the effects of the alcohol aren’t enough, they branch out into using other drugs as well to enhance the effects of the alcohol.

Of course, there are many other reasons why people may begin using drugs but the long and short of it is they like the way the drug makes them feel.  The short-term effects for most drugs are extremely pleasant and that is what keeps the person going back for more.

If you’ve ever spent any time in or around a drug addiction rehab, you soon learn that there are some common signs that are displayed among those with drug addictions.  Probably the biggest and most common is denying they have a drug addiction.  They will swear that their drug use is not a problem and that they can stop any time they want to.  That sign by far tops the list of what to look for when you suspect someone you care about needs drug rehab.

Mood swings are another of the ten signs of drug addiction.  When the addict has had their “fix” of their drug of preference, their moods are usually very good.  When they come down from their high or when they need another fix, their moods can turn ugly.  Nothing is more important to an addict than getting their next dose of the drug.  This may be another indication that they should be in drug addiction rehab.

Lying: Drug addicts think they are fooling everyone with their drug abuse and along with it is the lying.  They may be lying about where their money is going, or why they lost their job.  They get very good at telling lies and they convince themselves that people believe them.  When someone is lying to cover up any part of their drug addiction, chances are they need to be in drug addiction rehab.

Becoming withdrawn: People with drug addictions begin to exist in their own little world.  They stop communicating with loved ones and friends as they used to.  They do not participate as much in family or group activities and they spend a lot more time alone.  This is another big sign of drug addiction.

Personal stash: The more a person becomes addicted to drugs, the more they need to have a steady supply of drugs on hand.  They will often have their own personal stash of drugs that they make certain to keep stocked.

Missed work or school: Drug addicts will begin to miss more and more of their social and financial obligations. This includes work and/or school.  The drug (or alcohol) becomes the most important thing in their lives

Needing an increased amount of the drug: When people discuss their drug use in drug addiction rehab; they often mention that they may have started out using a small amount of a drug but over time, they needed more to satisfy their craving.  They can and will use every bit of money they have to keep themselves supplied in drugs.

Memory blackouts: As the drug addiction becomes more severe, it is common for the addicts to suffer from temporary blackouts.  There will be periods of time which they do not remember where they were or what they did.

Morning fix: As a drug addiction becomes more pronounced, the addict will come to a point where they cannot start their day without a fix.  Many times, they consume their drug of choice before they even get out of bed each day.

The need to stop: Contrary to what most people think; most drug addicts consider going to drug addiction rehab and getting help and they may even stop using for a while.  After a short time, however, they talk themselves out of getting help and resume their drug use.

As difficult as it is to face the fact that we or someone we love may need drug rehab, it really is the only way to stop the vicious cycle of uncontrolled drug use.  Drug addiction rehab offers addicts and their loved ones not only help, but hope.  Hope for a brighter future and a happier life.

If you notice a friend or a family member with one or more of the above signs, it is time for you to do something. Find out what are your options by calling a drug addiction consultant at 1-877-782-7409