Motivation to Use Drugs and Alcohol: Intrinsic versus Extrinsic

Motivation to Use Drugs and Alcohol: Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic
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Drug addiction is characterized by repeated misuse and reliance on addictive substances that lead to maladaptation of the body, causing significant distress. People who are victims of drug addiction have a consistent motivation in taking, without reluctance, the drug despite the adverse effects (Chan et al., 2019). This led to the ongoing debate on whether drug addiction is secondary to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. However, the argument is null and void since it is a combination of both.
According to the self-determination theory (SDT), intrinsic motivation influences people to engage in actions that benefit them. In contrast, extrinsic motivation influences a person to engage in behavior due to the external impact. For example, one study revealed that intrinsic motivation to use illicit drugs is driven by self-autonomy, enhancing self-regulatory measures as if they are holding their destiny (Chan et al., 2019). Moreover, such substances provide pleasure, removing their stresses temporarily and increasing their self-confidence. Therefore, the mind is being tricked that the individual controls their own lives as if their problems have been eradicated (American Addiction...