Addiction and Building Blocks Part 2

Although it may feel like it from the perspective of the addicted individual, addiction doesn’t happen overnight. While many factors contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, high-risk use, and addiction or dependency. Of course, not everyone in the first two stages of this process will develop a habit, but individuals within the third stage are incredibly likely to progress into full-blown addicts. Understanding these stages is critical in recognizing that you may have a problem and seeking help before your substance use transforms into an addiction.

Stage One: Experimentation

One of the trickiest aspects of addiction is recognizing that often the first samples of drugs or alcohol produce few or no adverse consequences. Experimentation, defined as the voluntary use of drugs without experiencing any negative social or legal matters, is often accepted or encouraged, particularly among young adults. Unfortunately, the person using the substance primarily views this instance of getting high or getting drunk as a one-time occurrence without recognizing that this opens the door to the downward spiral of addiction. The individuals who can stop using by themselves will do so, while those who believe substance use will continue to make them feel good or solve their problems will progress into the next stage of regular use.

Stage Two: Regular Use

Stage two represents a fork in the road for many people. While some people may be able to engage in the regular use of drugs or alcohol without developing an addiction, the risk for dependence dramatically increases during this stage, as does the risk of participating in high-risk behaviors, such as driving under the influence. The occasional drink or drug becomes common, like sleeping or brushing your teeth. Substance use becomes another part of the routine, and before you can step away from using, you’re fooled into a false sense of security that it will be easy to quit. During this stage, some people may develop guilt or shame for their behavior but will continue to justify it or make excuses.

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Stage Three: Abuse

The line between regular and high-risk use is fragile but usually defined as the continued use of drugs or alcohol despite severe social or legal consequences. What started as a temporary escape from reality now takes precedence over other facets of your life, and you become either unafraid or unaware of the results of your behavior. Cravings become unbearable and may drive you to do things you wouldn’t usually do to get your hands on more drugs or alcohol. You may also begin to justify dangerous behaviors, such as operating machinery while high or driving your kids to school while drunk, as necessary undertakings, and your work, relationships, and other obligations suffer as a result.

Stage Four: Addiction/Dependency

Once the final stage is reached, you have entered addiction and complete dependency upon the substance. It’s no longer a question of whether or not you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. When you don’t receive them, your body lets you know in the form of symptoms like shakes, sweats, tremors, and other frantic behavior. You spend most of the time drunk or high, and you don’t want anything to stand in the way of it. This is the stage where you can’t, even if someone tells you that your life depends on stopping your behavior.

Fortunately, no matter which stage of addiction you’re in, help is available. Addiction is a progressive illness that only gets worse when left untreated. If you’re ready to admit that you have a problem and embark on recovery, speak to one of our compassionate counselors today about substance abuse recovery.

References:

Understanding the 4 Stages of Addiction | Phoenix House Florida | Substance Use Treatment in Tampa.

Understanding the 4 Stages of Addiction