Psychology

Drug addiction is considered to be that state of mind in which there is a contact between the human being and the drug. During this interaction, the human mind experiences loss of senses and feelings of intoxication (Hamilton, Kings  Ritter, Alison, 2003) On constant and recurring usage, the addicts may undergo supernatural or intoxicating effects. This paper seeks to analyze and evaluate the psychology of drug addictions in the lights of broad and diverse academic resources. At the same time, it will concentrate on discussing why some people still refuse to take drugs.

Why People Take Illicit Drugs
Recreational Purpose
Some individuals resort to drugs for recreational purpose. The general psychology of such individuals is that they just want to experience the effects of drugs on them. However, it should be noted that different individuals show different reactions and each drug has its own effects. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, etc are harmful for human beings and they may be lethal in one use (Hamilton, Kings  Ritter, Alison, 2003). Using such illegal drugs may lead to health consequences such as suffocation, death, heart attacks. Using marijuana can impair the functioning of brain as well as it may impair judgment skills. A research conducted in Australia in the year 2007 demonstrated that one in tenth individual resort to drugs in order to experience its effects on them (Family Drug Support, 2007).

Another research conducted in the year 2007, demonstrated that more than sixty percent of the teenagers resort to drugs for recreational purposes (Standing Committee on Family and Human Services, 2007). In another study, conducted in 2007, it was demonstrated that about forty percent of the drug addicts used drugs for recreational purpose. Their intention was to experience the feelings of intoxication and euphoria.

To Cure Psychological Ailments
Research suggests that some individuals resort to drugs in order to feel good about them. Such individuals have low self-esteem, self-worth and confidence and mostly become victims of depression, anger, angst, aggression, anxiety, etc. Research also suggests that these individuals believe that if they would take drugs, their depression would go away. At the same time, research   conducted by also suggests that these individuals also take drugs in order to relief their stress. From the another research, it was concluded that more than seventy percent of the individuals became drug addicts because they were suffering from psychological disorders (Hamilton, Kings  Ritter, Alison, 2003).  In another research, it was found out that by taking high amounts of drugs, their brain chemistry changed completely. It was found out that mental illnesses prolonged and increased with the constant usage of drugs. From the study, it was concluded that such patients, who were, already suffering from depression, suffered from chemical imbalances in their brains and taking drugs made things worse (Murray, 2007).

Why some People dont Use Drugs
Coping Stress and Mental Illnesses through Alternatives
Although several people resort to drugs, some individuals prefer to beat stress and mental illnesses through alternative treatments. Research suggests that majority of individuals, who dont used drugs, are involved in activities such as arts, meditation, exercise, etc in order to deal with stress (Stronach, 2007). Research also suggests that such activities assist in the management of stress and anxiety. Counseling is another method, which people adopt in order to deal with depression and other mental disorders. Some patients undergo psychotherapy in order to ensure that their mental illness is treated by a proficient and qualified psychotherapist (Gerber  Jensen, 2008).

Strong Self-image and Self Concept
In a research conducted in 2008, it was found out that majority of the tenth graders refused to consume marijuana (Gerber  Jensen, 2008). In the same research, it was found out that fifty percent of seniors had never used drugs. From the research, it was concluded that these individuals refused to take or consume drugs because they had a strong self image and self-concept about themselves (Hamilton, 2001).

Analysis
After a brief overview, some people resort to drugs in order to experience their effect on them. They have experience supernatural or intoxicating feelings, which take them to the state of bliss. At the same time, people are most likely to use drugs in order to cure their mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc.  Research suggests that several drug addicts are victim of low self-esteem and have poor self-image. In order to gain confidence, they resort to drugs in order to make their lives better. Some individuals avoid drugs because they are aware of its detrimental effects. These individuals tackle pressure and stress by using alternative treatments. They resort to professional help because they have awareness in them. They are aware of the fact that drugs are harmful and detrimental for their health. Individuals having strong self concept and self image also do not take drugs.

Conclusion
Drug addiction is considered to be a serious problem, which is prevalent throughout the world. The overall goal of the paper was to analyze the psychology of drugs. This paper had concentrated on analyzing the psychological reasons, which compels people to resort to drugs. At the same time, it evaluated the reasons why people do not take drugs.