TGIF?

It's Friday. Many people I know can't wait for Friday afternoon so they can go get (take your pick) blitzed, ripped, stoned, blotto, happy or just plain drunk. Even if they don't seek to alter their mental state via drink or recreational drugs, they nevertheless achieve their version of Nirvana by the simple expedient of leaving their workplace.

There are two things here that I find interesting and puzzling.

1. How do people end up in situations where they can't stand what they do to earn a living during the workweek?

2. Why is it necessary to escape from reality via drugs or drink?

Huh?