October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month – the ideal time to raise awareness about the complex reasons people begin using drugs and alcohol. Contrary to stereotypes, drug abuse is not a matter of personal weakness. People of all ages, backgrounds and experiences can become dependent on substances. At Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, we take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to helping our clients recover without judgment or stigma.
Why Do People Use Drugs?
The motivations behind drug use are as varied as the people who experience it. While some may experiment out of curiosity, others seek to numb emotional pain, cope with stress or manage mental or physical health issues.
1. Emotional and Psychological Suffering
People living with depression, anxiety, trauma or unresolved grief may use drugs to escape unbearable feelings. This form of self-medication can temporarily mask distress – but over time, it often worsens underlying issues and leads to dependency.
2. Chronic Pain and Medical Conditions
Many illnesses and injuries necessitate prescription medications, especially in older adults. Unfortunately, even medications taken as directed can be habit-forming. Once you develop a tolerance, you may escalate your use or try other substances to find relief.
3. Mental Health Disorders
Co-occurring mental health disorders such as PTSD and bipolar disorder frequently overlap with substance abuse. People who lack access to appropriate care may turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms, which can begin a cycle of worsening mental and physical health.
4. Social Pressures and Environmental Factors
Peer pressure, family influence and the normalization of drug use in specific environments can increase the likelihood of experimentation, particularly for young adults, those in high-stress occupations or communities with limited support systems.
5. Genetics and Brain Chemistry
Some people are biologically more vulnerable to addiction. Genetics can influence your brain’s response to substances, and inherited traits may predispose you to addictive behaviors. A family history of substance use disorder is a known risk factor.
6. Unresolved Trauma
Experiencing or witnessing trauma can significantly impact your brain development and emotional regulation. Many trauma survivors use substances to alleviate distress and calm their overactive fight-or-flight response, unaware that they are also deepening their suffering.
Addiction Is Not a Choice
Nobody starts drinking or using drugs because they hope to become addicted. Once substance use becomes habitual, it changes your brain chemistry, impairing your decision-making skills, impulse control and emotional regulation. You may desperately want to stop but feel powerless to do so.
Recognizing the underlying causes of drug use is critical for dismantling stigma. It also allows for the creation of personalized, trauma-informed treatment plans that address the root of the issue – not merely the symptoms.
Treatment Starts With Compassion
Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat treats addiction as a chronic, relapsing medical condition – never as a moral failing. Our integrated care model addresses physical and psychological needs, which is vital if you began using substances due to chronic illness, mental health issues or emotional pain.
As a CARF-accredited, hospital-based treatment center, HVRC provides:
- Comprehensive medical detox and withdrawal management
- Expert psychiatric and psychological support
- Evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT and trauma-informed care
- Specialized tracks for older adults and medically complex clients
- Education and support for families affected by addiction
Don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today.