Our society has a complicated and unhealthy relationship with mood-altering drugs. Despite the fact that they can be dangerous and addictive, many people turn to them as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They even use them simply to alter their mood.
Do you need to know more about substance abuse treatment services? Call us today at 833.551.2304.
Why Do People Take Mood-Altering Drugs?
Why indeed. There could be a variety of reasons why individuals choose to take drugs to alter their mood. Some may use them as a way to escape from reality, while others may do so in an attempt to enhance their mood or experience pleasure.
One possible reason is that drugs can provide temporary relief from negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, people may turn to drugs as a way to cope with traumatic experiences or difficult life situations.
Additionally, some individuals may use drugs in a social setting as a way to fit in or feel more confident. They may believe that using drugs will make them appear more fun and outgoing, or help them connect with others.
Some people also use drugs to enhance positive emotions or experience pleasure. Certain substances can alter brain chemistry to release feel-good chemicals, leading to a temporary sense of euphoria or happiness.
It’s important to recognize that drug use for mood alteration can come with serious risks and consequences. Drug addiction, overdose, and other health problems are just some of the potential dangers associated with drug use.
What Studies Show About People’s Drug-Taking Habits
A recent survey conducted by the Gallup organization sought the percentage of people in each state who took drugs almost daily to alter their mood. These included street drugs and prescription medications to help them relax or cope with the stress of living in some way.
The study revealed that nationally, 18.9% of Americans admitted to using drugs almost every day to relax or alter their moods. The states with the lowest amount of drug use were Alaska, Wyoming, and California. Six of the top ten states were located in the South, and all were well above 20%.
These states were Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Missouri. The definition of “drugs” was left open to the interpretation of the person answering the question, and could include street drugs, prescription medications, nicotine or alcohol.
The results could also potentially be very short if people didn’t automatically include their drinking or smoking as being considered drug use. Southern states have been found to have more problems with painkillers as well as more smokers, according to earlier research by Gallup and other sources. With the latest information coming from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the same research found that those people who use a drug almost daily to try and feel better are generally in a poorer state of overall well-being.
Hopefully, the results from the survey can help healthcare providers to find other ways to treat patients than giving them drugs, and people are able to see that their total state of health is negatively affected by using drugs repeatedly, even if they’re legal or prescribed.
Why Drug Addiction Treatment is So Important
Addiction is a chronic and complex disease that can have devastating effects on a person’s life. Yet, many individuals struggling with drug addiction do not receive the proper treatment they need.
One reason for this could be the misconception that addiction is a choice or moral failing rather than a medical condition. This stigma prevents people from seeking help and receiving the necessary support to overcome their addiction.
Addiction treatment is essential because it provides individuals with the tools and resources they need to manage their addiction and achieve long-term recovery. It can also address any underlying issues that may have contributed to a person’s drug use, such as trauma or mental health disorders.
Get Help Today From Gulf Breeze Recovery
Gulf Breeze Recovery, unlike other treatment centers in Florida, is a non-12-step holistic drug and alcohol rehab that is changing the future of addiction treatment with their THRIVE® (Total Health Recovery) program focused on overcoming chronic relapse.
Gulf Breeze Recovery’s THRIVE® program is a non-12-step approach designed for those who are looking for a drug and alcohol treatment program to produce a different and positive result.
This non-12-step program allows you to drive beyond your addictions and promotes a new outlook on life. We are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and our last audit scored 99.7. Furthermore, we are gold certified by the Joint Commission.
Ready to conquer your addiction to mood-altering drugs? If so, call us today at 833.551.2304 or use our online contact form.