People use drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. Despite popular belief, people who abuse drugs and alcohol are not just victims of mental health disorders, homelessness, or a poor family upbringing. Even individuals with high-paying jobs, families, and seemingly “perfect” lives can fall victim to substance use disorder. 

There are three primary categories of problems that cause drug and alcohol use: emotional, physical, and psychological. Within these three causes, there are various reasons as to why people use drugs and alcohol. 

#1. Emotional Causes

The emotional “need” to use drugs or alcohol typically stems from individuals feeling like they need substances to fill a void in their lives. This void may come from trauma, relationship issues, work stress, and more. Common emotional causes of drug and alcohol use include:

• Grief

The death of a loved one, such as a close friend or family member, can be emotionally devastating for people. Different people handle grief in different ways. Some people seek counseling or work through grief on their own with healthy habits and coping mechanisms. However, other people struggle more acutely with emotional or physical loss. As a result, they may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their grief. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can become an addiction for some people.

• End of a Relationship

The end of a relationship can be emotionally challenging to get through. When a relationship ends through a breakup or divorce, it can negatively impact self-confidence or bring on intense loneliness. This affects other areas of life, including their career, friendships, families, and even their sense of purpose. If an individual does not have the appropriate emotional support available to them, they may use drugs or alcohol as a way to get through the loss of their relationship.

• Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are a common trigger for substance use. Different mental health disorders manifest in different ways. Some people who face mental health challenges may turn to drugs or alcohol to rationalize or make sense of their disorder. Others individuals may use drugs to help cope with the symptoms they are experiencing.

#2. Physical Causes

Individuals often feel a physical “need” to use drugs or alcohol to alter what their body is experiencing physically. Some physical causes of substance use include: 

• Relaxation

Many people face life obligations such as bills, family, work, and school. Some individuals look for outlets to help relax and find a balance between responsibilities and having fun. However, this need for an outlet leads some people to use drugs or alcohol to help them relax and unwind. If left unaddressed, this pattern can develop into addiction.

• Self-Medicating Physical Pain

When people experience physical pain, they may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. This means they use substances that are not prescribed to them by a doctor. Instead, they use drugs, such as painkillers, to relieve their pain. However, most drugs, including painkillers, have highly addictive properties, which can lead to an addiction.

#3. Psychological Causes

Some people use drugs or alcohol because they have general feelings of inadequacy towards themselves or the world. As a result, they use substances to boost their confidence and self-esteem and make sense of the world around them. Common psychological causes of drug and alcohol use include: 

• Financial Stress

The burden of financial stress can be challenging for many people. Money pressures can cause people to feel trapped, desperate, and out of control. Drugs and alcohol can often help people forget about their financial responsibilities or avoid dealing with them altogether. This, of course, can lead them to become addicted to their substance of choice.

• Family Demands

Many people have family demands that include things like raising kids while balancing life’s other obligations. When those demands become overwhelming, they can be challenging to manage. The stress and overwhelming nature of family demands can be especially prevalent in young mothers who often face feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety. Drug or alcohol use can become an easy way for parents to help cope with family demands.

• Peer Pressure

One of the most well-known reasons individuals—especially teens and young adults—start using drugs or alcohol is because of external pressures from other people. Commonly known as peer pressure, some people may begin using substances because of the influence of their peers. Younger people may also experience pressure to use substances from television, social media, and celebrity influences. Individuals may see drug use being glorified in the media and feel pressured to participate.

Other Reasons for Drug and Alcohol Use

Other reasons people may turn to drugs or alcohol include:

• Environmental influences
• Career or school pressure
• Trauma and abuse
• Boredom
• Wanting to fit in
• Curiosity and experimentation
• Rebellion
• Performance enhancement
• Isolation

Many factors can lead people to use drugs or alcohol. These reasons typically fall into three categories: emotional, physical, or psychological. Many people use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with what is going on with their lives. While this may be seen as “harmless” for many people, substance use can quickly become an addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, The Kimberly Center is here to help. We utilize an evidence-based program to restore you to a healthier, happier, and more productive life, free from substance dependence and abuse, and destructive behaviors. We focus on detox and outpatient care for people who need to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while getting help for alcoholism or drug addiction. For more information on our services and how we can help you recover from addiction, call The Kimberly Center today at (855) 452-3683.