Good philosophical question. I think that usually self-destructive behavior occurs because it "feels good at the time." Not to worry about what catastrophic consequences may be down the road. That's why someone says "yeah, I snort that line of cocaine" or "I'll have unprotected sex with her after our 7 minute conversation."

In my opinion, trying to understand and put your finger on it is why Psychiatrics are actually Medical Doctors. This **** is HARD to understand. There is, and never will be, a nice little answer we can package up in a box with a bow.

For the record, before my accident (which caused major brain trauma), I graduated college with a near perfect 4.0 with a major in "Middle East Politics." I say this with the utmost humility and do not mean to boast because the ENTIRE time I was snorting about 2 grams of cocaine a day.

I was the poster of over the top, balls-to-the-wall, and hair on fire; screw anything sexy in a bar, vicious, mind bending self-destructive behavior.

WHY because at time, being high on cocaine was much more fun that being sober it's a pitiful answer but those days are behind me. Thank God