Why Do We Use Drugs and Alcohol

Seems a simple question but it probably has quite a few different answers depending on your point of view. The vast majority of us drink alcohol completely without any problems. We use it for entertainment, celebration, it offers pleasure and to make ourselves feel good. It would seem logical that non problematic drug use has these qualities also.

The next question is why do some people become addicted, or have problems with drugs and alcohol while others do not? Again there seems to be numerous factors to take into account. There is certainly something to do with an individual’s own biology that is, an individual’s genetic make up allied to other environmental and social factors seem to play a part. An individual’s gender, poverty, co existing mental health problem will also have roles to play in the developing drama of a substance misuse problem. This is not to say that all these factors need to be present but it seems some of them have to be in order for addiction to develop. And yet it is more complicated as well. Some people take drugs and alcohol and lose control whilst other individuals do not do so. Again the fact is the majority of us seem to be able to use alcohol as a pleasant, recreational adjunct to our lives but for others it is hugely problematic leading to problems with the law, employment, relationships, health and money that can, for the individual and their family be devastating.

And how do we know when our drinking or drug taking has become a problem well there are one or two resources that can help you identify whether you have a problem. The first questions focus specifically to alcohol and is called the CAGE questionnaire (please see page questionnaires):