Children of alcoholics are somewhat of a higher risk. Lacking sufficient self-confidence, adolescents may give in to the social pressures of trying drugs. Drugs may be used to gain acceptance, feel like part of the crowd, to give the appearance of acting like a grown up, to feel like they belong, to loosen inhibitions and to make them feel relaxed, witty and popular. Young people as well as adults often use chemicals to try to increase their self-confidence, especially in social situations. Drugs seem to make the individual more confident, more important, and less vulnerable.
Drugs have the ability to distort one's perception of the outside world.
Problems do not seem as real or as important. Drugs may be used as a coping mechanism to help them relate to others, deal with stress, or to make things seem better than they are. Since most adults do not approve of alcohol and drug use among adolescents, young people may use these substances to rebel against parents, teachers, and other symbols of authority. Drugs may be used out of spite to hurt others. Rebellion can be a positive stage of change to gain autonomy if used in a constructive manner.