I might suppose emotional or mental problems. Or a desire for the thrill of a high. Alcohol and drugs make you feel better, good, great, at least initially. You have problems. Maybe run of the mill, maybe horrific. And the drugs take away the bad feelings, for a while.
You become addicted, whether psychologically, physically, or both. And you start having the brain damage and physical damage that comes with the poison and the neglect of basic healthy living.
It is a tragedy but it is not a disease like say dementia. No one goes to the dealer and asks for a bag of dementia.
Thanks. You’re right. I come from a family of brilliant, good-looking, successful alcoholics. My sister quit and went on to live a good life, did well in real estate, has a great husband she met In AA. My dad died from it (he earned over $500K/year), my mother had Korsakov Syndrome. And I could have a drink now and then if I wanted it....I haven’t since my son died from alcohol. He was always the smartest and best looking person in the family. Still, it seems different from dying in droves on the streets where you can see the effects. Big sigh.