A Better Moment · Understanding Patterns
Why do people use substances?
Most of us were never taught the real reasons people use substances. Today's science tells a very different story, and understanding it changes how we see ourselves and one another.
"People use drugs because they actually feel good. It gave them a sensation that they appreciated. It made them feel they could engage with people. It made them feel happy. It made them feel less sad. They took it for a reason."
— Dr. Kima Joy Taylor
THE REAL REASONS
What the science actually says
The story our culture tells about why people use substances is incomplete.
Here's what researchers and physicians have learned instead.
REASON ONE
Because it actually feels good.
WHAT WE'RE TOLD
People who use substances are making a bad choice. If they understood the consequences, they wouldn't start.
WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS
Substances produce real sensations the brain registers as valuable: relief, happiness, connection, calm. The brain finds what works and returns to it. That's not a character flaw. That's how brains work.
IN DR. KIMA TAYLOR'S WORDS
"People use drugs because they actually feel good. It gave them a sensation that they appreciated. It made them feel they could engage with people. It made them feel happy. It made them feel less sad. They took it for a reason."
IN A REAL MOMENT
-
“I get why this helps. What does it give you when things feel off?”
-
“What is this actually doing for me right now?”
Relief. Connection. Quiet. Energy.
-
Name the feeling first. The urge usually follows something.
Real understanding begins with an honest conversation. When we recognize why people use substances, it's easier to respond with curiosity instead of judgment.
REASON TWO
Because something is missing and substances fill that space.
WHAT WE'RE TOLD
People who use substances lack willpower or discipline. Better choices would solve the problem.
WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS
People use substances when other things that should be there aren't. Trusted adults. Safe spaces. Things to look forward to. Ways to process what's hard. When the right supports are missing, people find what works with what's available.
IN DR. KIMA TAYLOR'S WORDS
"Some of it was boredom and someone took it and it felt good. Well, if I had after school programs, if I could indulge my art, if I could get a job there are other ways to address this. If you needed it to make you less sad, we need someone to talk to you about why you're sad. If you took it because you're bored, how can we get you busy?"
IN A REAL MOMENT
-
“What’s missing right now?”
(not what’s wrong) -
“Is this about needing relief, connection, or something to do?”
-
“What’s been hardest lately?”
“What’s felt missing?” -
Do one small thing that gives you some of what you’re needing
(text someone, step outside, change the room, put something on)
When people have more ways to meet the needs beneath their substance use, they often have more choices about what comes next.
REASON THREE
Because the reasons are the same for everyone.
WHAT WE'RE TOLD
Substance use disorder happens to a certain kind of person or someone with a particular background, neighborhood, or set of choices.
WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS
The reasons people use are not unique to any community, income level, or background. They are universal human responses to universal human experiences. The narrative that those people use substances for different reasons than people like us is not supported by evidence.
IN DR. KIMA TAYLOR'S WORDS
"We did focus groups for kids in Utah and kids in Chicago who were completely different populations. Same questions. Same thoughts. Same answers. To get to blamelessness, we have to show the humanity of people and why they're using before it becomes a use disorder."
IN A REAL MOMENT
-
“This only happens to certain kinds of people,”
pause and ask:
“What might be going on here?” -
“What might they be trying to get through?”
-
“Would I see this the same way if it were happening to someone I loved?”
-
Start with the person, not the story.
When we understand why people use substances, it's easier to replace assumptions with understanding and judgment with curiosity. That's where better responses begin.
WHAT THIS MEANS
The reasons people use substances are not mysterious or shameful.
Reason 1: Because it actually feels good.
Sometimes the benefit is immediate. Relief, pleasure, calm, energy, escape. The brain notices what works. That's biology.
Reason 2: Because it helps with something hard.
Sometimes substances are not about pleasure first. They are about pain, stress, loneliness, trauma, or getting through the day.
Reason 3: Because the brain learns fast.
What brings relief or reward can become something the brain and body begin to expect over time.
IN DR. KIMA TAYLOR'S WORDS
“We have a bizarre understanding of why people use drugs. People use because it provides a benefit, whether it feels good, because they’re self-medicating, or because their body now needs it. You can’t build a system to help people until you’re honest about that.”