Many young people in their early 20s are experimenting with drugs. Drug abuse is a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Addiction can happen to the most intelligent and educated person, so you should never be too sure about your safety from it. The problem is that young people who abuse drugs are putting themselves at risk for serious health problems — and even death. Drugs can lead to dependence, meaning you need them to get through the day.
The most common drug used by people in their twenties is marijuana, which is easy to get and relatively cheap compared to other drugs. However, marijuana has been found to cause brain damage and lung cancer in those who use it regularly or heavily. Smoking marijuana can also lead to addiction, which means that users may be unable to stop using it even if they want to quit. Another popular drug among people in their twenties is cocaine, which is known as an upper or stimulant drug that gets users excited or energized when they take it. The effects of cocaine include euphoria, increased energy levels, and alertness – all of which make it very attractive for young adults who want some excitement in their lives while they go clubbing or partying with friends.
Reasons why drug use varies from person to person
Desire to fit in with friends who use drugs
One of the most common reasons why people begin using alcohol or other drugs is because they want to fit in with their friends who are already using these substances. Peer pressure is one of the strongest influences on whether or not an individual will decide to start consuming alcohol or other drugs. You may feel like you don’t fit in or that no one understands you. If you try marijuana or another drug and it makes you feel like part of the group, it’s easy to repeatedly make that connection through drugs.
Friends often positively influence each other by encouraging each other’s strengths and interests. Still, they can also negatively influence each other regarding something as personal as drug use. People often feel like they need to drink or do drugs if they want to be accepted by their peers, so they may try drinking even though it doesn’t seem like something they would normally do for fun (and even though it might be against their better judgment). In this case, peer pressure can lead someone to drink or do drugs even if they know full well that it is unacceptable.
Desire for the high and escape reality
Drugs provide temporary relief from life’s stressors and problems. For many people, the main reason they use drugs is to feel good. This is especially true for young people who feel pressured by school, family, or friends. They want the sense of pleasure or euphoria that comes from using a drug. This can be so strong that it becomes an addiction in and of itself — that is, people need more and more of the drug to get the same feeling they got from taking it in the first place. The desire for the high can be explained by how the brain processes pleasure. The brain comprises millions of neurons that transmit information through electrical signals.
These signals can become stronger or weaker depending on how often they are sent out and how much input they receive from other neurons. When someone uses a drug, it causes some neurons to release dopamine into their synapses, which are spaces between neurons where neurotransmitters such as dopamine are released and received. The greater amount of dopamine being released, the greater the “pleasure” being felt by both parties involved in this transaction — i.e., the person receiving pleasure (by having their synapses flooded with dopamine) and the person providing this pleasure (by releasing a chemical). Also, some use drugs because they want to escape the reality of their lives. They may be depressed or unhappy with their lives and don’t know how to deal with their feelings other than through substance abuse. Others may have been abused as children and find comfort in using drugs as adults because it makes them forget what happened to them when they were younger.
If you’re looking to avoid drug abuse during your twenties, the most important thing is to think forward—be sure to find activities and hobbies that will keep you busy in your free time. Stay active, stay social and keep a tight circle of friends you can rely on for support when things get tough. So, if you are worried about drug abuse or addiction, call us today at 833-680-0165. We’re available throughout and can help you get the professional assistance you or someone you love needs.