Drugs become abused because their effects often change the way a person thinks. Even though the drugs have long-term harmful effects, a drug user sees positive results in the feelings the drug produces. The drug use continues as it controls the person's life. She believes she needs to take more drugs to reach the pleasurable feelings she once had. She continues to do this, despite the destruction to her life.
Early Use
Drug usage often starts out with a curiosity, especially when young people see others their age engaging in drug experimentation. Abused drugs usually result in intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria that attract some people, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Drug users may gain a sense of self-confidence or temporary energy boost from stimulants. Drugs that provide a sedative effect make them feel relaxed or relieved from pressures of daily life. The younger people are when they start using drugs, the more likely it is that they will abuse drugs because of the effects drugs have on a developing brain.
Biology
Drug addiction may have genetic factors in 40 to 60 percent of cases, according to NIDA. A family history of alcohol or drug abuse puts people at higher risk for abusing drugs. People with mental disorders have an increased risk of abusing drugs. At least half of the people who become drug addicts suffer from depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Environment
Children who grow up in homes where alcohol or drug abuse is prevalent can start abusing drugs in their youth or later on in life. The criminal behavior of illicit drug use by parents puts children at higher risk for becoming addicted to drugs, the UMMC says. Drug activity in some communities and schools exposes children to the problem because friends and acquaintances influence them. Peer pressure plays a major role in starting someone on drugs and can lead to drug abuse.
Availability
Adults are also exposed to the widespread drug problem and might seek drugs to alleviate the stress of work or social pressures. Many prescription drugs provide relaxation effects and relief from pain. Others have a stimulant effect that creates feelings of overcoming problems. Prescription drugs are aimed at people who need medication for health disorders, but they can be addictive and are easy to obtain, the Mayo Clinic reports. Leftover drugs can be found in bottles in homes where people addicted to and seeking drugs can find them. Some medications are easy to obtain through online pharmacies without a prescription.
