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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