No offense, but I'm not really sure what the point of this thread is. Is it merely asking the stated question, or is it one of those, "pornstars are miserable people that need to take drugs" threads?
I don't have any facts to support my opinions, but here they are anyway:
1. I think most pornstars are in the business because they're exhibitionists and doing porn is a release for them. That's why I don't scratch my head at someone like Tera Patrick, for example, (who's a nurse) and ask, "Why are you doing this when you could earn a good living elsewhere?" Obviously, she's not what most people would call a "regular" person, and if she hadn't entered porn and had instead gotten a regular job she'd still prolly have to find some other sort of "outlet" for her sexual tendancies.
2. The money is good, so plenty of women are in porn because it pays a lot better than anything else they'd be qualified for..... nevertheless, not just anybody can do a porn flick, so it takes a person with a certain kind of personality to do it. Nevertheless, I'm sure many of those girls DO hate their jobs, and maybe some of them DO drink or take drugs to get through the day. Do people in other professions do the same? They sure as hell do... it's likely more prevalent in porn, however.
3. Though I've never met a pornstar, I know there is a bit of a "glamorous" lifestyle within the industry. The actors are minor celebrities that get to meet/date/etc. with well-known celebrities like professional atheletes, the ladies have their own fans, get to be front and centre at conventions., etc., etc.... and I'm sure many of them like the "glitz" that comes along with that. As we all know, however, alcohol and drugs are common within the whole "glamour" lifestyle, and no doubt some of the girls get caught up in that too. Keep in mind, however, that drug use isn't just more common among pornstars, it's also more common among pro athletes, musicians, and actors... I doubt anyone here is going to argue that those people take drugs because they hate what they do for a living.
:2 cents: