What Problem Can My Character Have That Is Similar to Drug Use?

Question by holla!: What problem can my character have that is similar to drug use?
I’m writing a new story and I want one of the characters to have a problem similar to drug use. My first thought was alcohol, but I want it to be something that would keep the character away from home. (For example, a teenage boy using drugs would be out more in attempt to hide it from his parents). I also want the problem to have a financial impact (eg. drugs are expensive) but I don’t want to use a drug addiction. What else could I use?

Best answer:

Answer by Joe M
Harming himself intentionally (aka he’s a cutter)

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