Substance use and addiction have become increasingly common concerns across different age groups, especially among adolescents and young adults. Despite widespread awareness, many people still do not fully understand why individuals initiate drug use and how it gradually develops into addiction.

Drug use rarely begins suddenly. It often starts with subtle influences that gradually push a person toward experimentation:

1. Peer Pressure

One of the strongest contributors is the desire to fit in with friends or a social group. Many young people try substances simply because everyone else is doing it.

2. Social Acceptance

Whether it is at school, an office party, or a casual gathering, individuals may feel that using substances makes them appear mature, outgoing, or socially accepted.

3. Age Group at Risk

Drug initiation is most common in the 12–25 age group, a period marked by curiosity, identity formation, and emotional sensitivity.

4. Underlying Reasons

Many hidden emotional and psychological factors fuel the decision to try drugs: Parental or family conflicts, Loneliness, Poor school performance, Work stress, Curiosity, Desire to escape emotional discomfort

5. Availability

Easy access to substances increases the risk of experimentation. When drugs are present in one’s immediate environment, the likelihood of use rises significantly.

Substances artificially stimulate the brain’s natural reward system, which includes:

Prefrontal cortex: This helps us in understanding, recognition of speech, cognitive tasks

Nucleus accumbens: It helps us recognise worth, pleasurable feelings 

Amygdala: Activates fears response in the body

Hippocampus: Important for memory formation, encoding, 

Ventral tegmental area (VTA): It is widely involved in the drug and natural reward circuitry of brain. It plays important role in motivation,  recognition of rewards, learning.

Drugs hijack these areas, creating intense pleasure without any real achievement or effort unlike natural rewards such as completing tasks or achieving goals. This shortcut to happiness becomes addictive because the brain starts craving the substance for pleasure. 

Drug-induced chemical changes lead to disruptions in:

Consciousness (sleep-wake cycle), perception (sight, smell, hearing, touch), mood regulation, thinking and logic, behaviour and motor functioning

Stages of Substance Use Leading to Addiction

Addiction is not a single event; it is a gradual process:

1. Initiation / Experimentation

Curiosity or social influence leads to first-time use.

2. Occasional or Irregular Use

Substances are used intermittently depending on mood or situation.

3. Regular Use

The person begins using more consistently.

4. Daily Use

Dependence starts building as the brain adapts to the substance.

5. Dependence / Addiction

Substance use becomes a chronic condition, much like diabetes or hypertension. Stopping feels impossible without support.

People may use substances for various emotional or psychological reasons:

To Feel Good: Euphoria, boost in confidence, escapism

To Feel Better:  Reducing anxiety, improving sleep, coping with sadness or stress, self-treatment of emotional pain

Pre-existing conditions

Underlying mental health conditions often increase vulnerability to addiction.

Occupational and Economic Consequences

Substance addiction does not stay limited to personal life. It affects professional and financial stability as well.

Occupational problems:

Loss of job, absenteeism, reduced productivity, demotion

Economic problems:

Loss of savings, increasing expenditure on substances, debt accumulation

Different Substances and Their Health Consequences: 

1. Tobacco: Respiratory system damage, cardiovascular complications, heart attacks

increased risk of cancers.

2. Alcohol: Liver damage and liver cancer, seizures and risk of dementia, diabetes-related complications, Increased vulnerability to infections.

3. Cannabis: Memory dysfunction, personality changes, increased risk of psychosis.

4. Opioids: Cardiovascular and respiratory depression, high overdose risk, spread of infections (HIV, HBV, HCV) through unsafe practices.

5. Stimulants: Increased risk of stroke, breathing difficulties, bronchitis, heart attack

6. Inhalants: Neurological damage, brain haemorrhage, loss of memory, aggression and violent behaviour, damage to liver, kidney, and nerves, psychological and social effects of substance use.

The impact of substance use extends far beyond physical health:

Psychological Effects Memory issues, emotional distress, anxiety, depression

Social Consequences Loss of respect within family and society, strained relationships, social withdrawal

These changes make recovery more challenging without proper treatment. Substance use and addiction are complex issues influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. While curiosity or social pressure may start the journey, the long-term consequences can deeply affect health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding the process of addiction helps families and individuals recognize warning signs early and seek proper support. That support starts with family, friends but professionally a psychologist/Counsellor, psychiatrist and quality rehabilitation centres can help you systematically.