A COUPLE of months back, I covered the topic of addictions, how they happen and what someone can do if they need help.

I have been asked to explain why some people may turn to the use of illegal drugs in the first place. As ever, I am here to talk about all things mental health and well-being, so do please keep your questions coming.

One of the main reasons why people may turn to illegal drugs is to cope with emotional or psychological distress. Many individuals who experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD may use drugs as a way to numb their feelings or escape reality. These people may feel that drugs offer a sense of relief or distraction from their problems, even though the relief is only temporary. They may also feel it gives them a sense of power or control over a particular situation or issue.

As a newspaper reader yourself, I’m sure you can recall many stories of younger people who were first introduced to drugs by people who wanted to manipulate or control them. It happens here, it happens everywhere. It doesn’t take too long for such a young person to then become addicted to whatever it is that they are being supplied with.

Another reason why people, particularly younger ones, may turn to illegal drugs, is due to peer pressure. Many individuals may feel pressure to fit in with a certain group or social circle and may turn to drugs as a way to gain acceptance. They may also feel that using drugs is a rite of passage or a way to prove their maturity. Some people may turn to illegal drugs simply out of curiosity or as a way to experiment with new experiences and may be more likely to engage in recreational drug use.

A lack of education or knowledge about the risks and consequences of drug use, also play a part. Many individuals may not fully understand the dangers associated with drug use and may not be aware of the long-term effects that drugs can have on their health and well-being.

Economic and social factors also play a role in why people may turn to illegal drugs. Many individuals living in poverty or experiencing unemployment may turn to drugs as a way to cope with financial stress or feelings of hopelessness. Typically, people living in areas with high crime rates and poor living conditions may be more likely to turn to drugs as a way to escape their surroundings. It doesn’t help when much of what our younger people can find online or other sources glamorises drug taking and the ‘Gangsta’ lifestyle. The people who sell the drugs know how to identify those who are vulnerable and perhaps more likely to become dependent on the stuff they sell. They are called pushers for a reason!

When we are going about our busy lives, it can perhaps be a little too easy to make judgements or look down on people we may see on the streets, that are perhaps troubled with addiction problems. One thing I know for certain, is that nobody who is in the grip of an addiction, and who has perhaps lost everything, started out with the intention of ending up there. As humans, we do tend to judge others, we can’t help it, it is actually part of our own self-preservation system, where we tend to look at everything in the worst possible case scenario, for our own protection.

There is help out there for people who feel they may a problem with drugs, or if they feel someone they know or love is affected by them. For more information, help and support about drugs and the effects they can have, please go to talktofrank.com or call 0300 1236600

You can also find out more information on lots of local charities and other helpful organisations by downloading the App Hub of Hope it’s available on App store and Google play.

Next week I am going to be taking a look at what it takes to have a mentally healthy relationship, and throwing some light onto things such as coercive control, and danger signals to look out for if you feel that you are being controlled or made to feel uncomfortable in your relationship.

If you run any kind of support group that helps people with their sense of connection and mental well-being across the Bradford area, then please get in touch in order that I can feature it in a future column wellbeing@martinfurber.com

If you are in any kind of mental health crisis, please go to A&E, see your GP or call The Samaritans on 116 123

* Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various fields, and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England.