Why do people need to escape reality?

People want to escape reality, because reality is too painful or nightmarish to emotionally/physically/mentally deal with in a functional way. There are various specific reasons as to *why* each person wants this escape, whether it is escape from an unhealthy relationship, from a responsibility, from memories, or from unresolved conflict and grief from one's family of origin. Sometimes a temporary escape from reality is healthy, although there is a risk of addiction (i.e. drugs) or destruction (i.e. suicide) to the method of escape from reality. Addiction and death provoke a cycle of painful reality to those around the person wanting to escape reality. Therefore, knowing that escape is only temporary is imparative to everyone's health.