Why do young peoples abuse drugs or
inhalants?
They are many theories to explain why people abuse drugs. Some explain why
individuals begin to use drug in the first place. Others focused more in the
process of addiction, that is, why individuals may become dependent upon a
certain substance once it has been tried.
Biological explanation
This theory explains drug abuse tendency as rising from biological factors.
In short, drug dependent persons are biologically different.
Psychological explanations
There are also numerous psychological theories that attempt to explain why
people use drugs. Some of these theories cite low self-esteem and poor self
image as contributing to non-medical use of drugs: drug makes certain
individuals feel more capable of coping with a variety of life stresses.
Yet
another set of explanations proposes that many individuals become engaged in
drug use through a desire for experimentation and sheer curiosity about the
effect of these substances. They may continue because of the pleasurable effects
of the drug or because of fear of withdrawal. They are essentially
psychologically addicted to the process of taking drugs and to their effects.
Sociological explanations
These explanations contend that certain factors in individuals' relevant
environments may contribute towards their use of drugs. For examples, modeling
has had an important effect upon individuals' use of substances. If parents or
other key influencers are drug abuser, young persons often tend to model the
behavior they see demonstrated in the home.
Social factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic classes, religion
and family background directly influence of and how an individual may use
substances. Cultural theories propose those collective attitudes towards the use
of substances - such as abstinence, ritual use related to religion ceremonies
and use in social settings - play an important role in shaping an individual's
behaviors with respect to drugs.
Most experts believe that they are no one theory that can explain everything.
The above theories are merely examples of the range of explanations as to why
people use the abused substances. However, certain themes have become
consistent: pleasure, curiosity, experimentation, search for self-knowledge,
self adventure, spiritual meaning, loss of faith, relief of stress, immediate
satisfaction, depression, powerlessness etc.
Social and psychological factors that lead to
abuses.
Normally drug abuse is not cause by one factor. Some of the common social and
psychological factors that caused drug abuses are as follow:
- Peer group influence
Adolescence is known as "gang age". There
is a strong need for friendship and group identification among youths and
adolescents. They become more independent from the family and tend to rely in
peer group to set the standards for behaviors. There is a need to conform to
standards set by peer groups. Negative peer influences may lead a youngster to
anti-social behavior like getting involved in drug and inhalant abuses.
- Curiosity
Young people are usually very curious. They like to
know the facts, fashion, taste, habits and lifestyles of peers. The adolescent
does not want to be a misfit among his friends. This may cause him to venture
into the unknown and try drugs and inhalants.
- Experimentation
Teenagers like to take risks and experiment new
things. They want the first hand experience of everything. They tend not to
accept the view of others. They usually set out to form their own views and
judgement of things, books, clothes, peoples and activities. They may first
experiment with drugs or inhalants just for the "kicks".
- Boredom
During the period of adjustment into the adult world,
many young people cannot find meaningful activities that they can happily
occupy themselves with. Boredom and idleness may lead them to drug and
inhalant abuses.
- Social stress during adolescence
Adolescence is a period when
the young person undergoes many bodily changes. It is a period of uncertainty
during which he is neither considered a child nor an adult. They are faced
with an identity problem. They may find it difficult to adjust to the changes.
This may result in conflicts. Drug and inhalant may be use to help to cope
with the emotional problem and feelings of their uncertainty.
- Pressure of society
In a highly urbanized society, adolescents
may find it difficult to adapt to the pressures of social changes and the
demands placed upon them. At this age, they begin to realize the importance of
education and vocational choice. These pressures to excel, competitions and
difficulties in making choices may give rise to stress and tension. Many may
resort to drug and inhalant abuse to escape from reality.
- Problem at school
Young drug abusers are usually those who stop
schooling at an early age or are students with poor school performances. They
may have turn to drug or inhalants to escape from the feelings of frustration,
hopelessness and worthlessness caused by their failure in school.
- Lack of direction
Having no goals or ambitions in life, they
tend to move around with friends and peer groups aimlessly. Their lack of
direction makes them highly prone to being lured into abusing drug. This is
even more so if they are weak willed.
For more information on preventive drug education and frequently
asked question, please go to Central Narcotics
Bureau homepage.
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