why people use drugs as solutions to their mental, emotional, and physical problems

Understanding Drug Use Through Psychological Theories: Behavioral and Cognitive Perspectives Student’s name Department: University Course Code Instructor’s name Date Understanding Drug Use Through Psychological Theories: Behavioral and Cognitive Perspectives Introduction People’s use and abuse of drugs have been analyzed under several theoretical approaches that supply different perspectives on why people take drugs. This paper explores two prominent psychological theories, Behavioral Theory and Cognitive Theory, to have a clue about why people turn to drugs as a solution to their mental, emotional, and physical issues. Moreover, the paper also includes an analysis of the connection between drug use and crime concerning real-life cases. Behavioral Theory Description: Behavioral Theory, which is based on learning and conditioning, postulates that drug use is a behavior learned and influenced by the drug effects. Frey (2003) posited that, based on positive reinforcement theory, people may take drugs so that they can derive a high from it and hence continue to use them. In the long run, the escape from the withdrawal symptoms (Negative Reinforcement) leads to the reinforcement of the particular habit. Explanation of Drug Use and Abuse: According to Behavioral Theory, drug use is a learned behavior that is repeated in response to particular cues. For example, a person suffering from stress may turn to drugs to relieve them, and the effect that is gotten as a result of drug taking reinforces the process. In the long run, the brain becomes ‘programmed’ to use drugs to handle stress, thereby contributing to its being a habit. The theory also accredits environmental stimuli, such as the availability of drugs or any related items that may lead to substance use. Relationship Between Drug Use and Crime: The theory thus postulates a high correlation between substance dependency, usage, and criminality, especially due to the need for drugs to avoid withdrawal sickness or for the acquisition of the drug being used. For instance, people may steal or participate in other unlawful actions to support their drug dependence. Therefore, a close relationship between drug use and criminality is created. Research has revealed that people with substance use disorders are more likely to engage in criminal activities, particularly property crimes, in order to sustain their habit (Miller...