Why do people drink or take drugs?

There are lots of reasons why people drink or take drugs, mainly because most of the time they think it's fun. There are risks with any drinking or drug use however, so if you're thinking about it you should use this site to get as much information as possible beforehand.

People can be tempted to drink or take drugs because they've heard about it or seen other people doing it, and they've been told it's fun. Once they've tried it they might like the effects and want to do it again, or to try something else. Or they might not like the effects, but want to be part of a group, so keep trying until they get to like it.

Reasons why people get into drugs

Someone told them it was fun
They saw other people doing it and having fun
They want to fit in with a group who do it
They tried it and like it
They feel low or down, or have problems, and think it will cheer them up
They want to celebrate
It's a party
They like the image that goes with people who do it
They think it makes them more confident or attractive
They are bored
They want to be different

Some of these are NEGATIVE reasons - if you or someone you know is drinking or taking drugs to cope with problems, or needs it to get through the day, they should look at the 'getting help' section of this website.

A vital point about alcohol and drugs is tht the first time is usually the best, because of the novelty factor, which adds to the buzz of the drug itself. This novelty factor can be gained from all sorts of other things, but repeated drinking and drug-taking tend to lose their novelty, and their buzz, after a while.