drug addiction and drug abuse: Motivations for Drug Use

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.

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