Which of the following is a common reason people use drugs to feel better?

The choice of relieving stress as a common reason people use drugs to feel better speaks to a widespread phenomenon where individuals turn to substances in an attempt to manage or cope with overwhelming feelings and pressures in their lives. Stress can arise from various sources, such as work, relationships, or financial issues, leading individuals to seek an escape or temporary relief through drug use.

This choice highlights a significant aspect of human behavior; using drugs as a coping mechanism is not only about seeking pleasure but frequently about alleviating negative feelings. People may believe that substances can provide a momentary reprieve from stress, leading them to seek out drugs to gain some control over their emotions or to help them feel more relaxed in stressful situations.

The other options, while valid reasons for drug use, are not as universally linked to the direct experience of feeling overwhelmed by stress. Enhancing physical performance, appearing more accepted, and escaping from reality may be motivations in specific contexts but do not capture the commonality of using drugs as a means to alleviate stress-related discomfort, which is a primary reason for substance use among many people.