“PEOPLE TAKE drugs and alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel,” says Dr Brad McKay, a GP practicing in Sydney’s LGBT heartland. “Whether it’s relaxation from sedatives, a boost of energy from stimulants, or experiencing an altered reality from hallucinogens, drugs and alcohol can be appealing to many people. But they can be addictive.”
The problem is that every time we use them it sets up a pathway to the part of the brain where dopamine is released and, repeated use – travelling down what becomes a well-worn path – causes addiction. “The more we use addictive substances, the more we need to get the same effect,” says Dr McKay.