drug addiction and drug abuse: Motivations for Drug Use

People take drugs for many reasons: peer pressure, relief of stress, increased energy, to relax, to relieve pain, to escape reality, to feel more self-esteem, and for recreation. They may take stimulants to keep alert, or cocaine for the feeling of excitement it produces. Athletes and bodybuilders have taken anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass, and athletes have taken other drugs in an attempt to enhance their performance or endurance.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• History
• Legalization and Decriminalization
• Reduction of Demand for Drugs
• Supply Reduction
• Fighting Substance Abuse
• Treatment
• Effects on Society
• Effects on the Family
• On the Individual
• Effects of Substance Abuse
• Motivations for Drug Use
• Illegal Substances
• Legal Substances
• Types of Abused Substances
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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