Addiction progresses gradually. Before acquiring a substance use disorder, an individual goes through the stages of addiction after they begin using a substance. Understanding the phases of drug addiction will help you better comprehend the actions of someone who is abusing drugs. You’ll be able to recognize those in your life who may already be addicted or who are in danger of becoming addicted.
As an individual advances through the phases, the risks associated with addiction and dependence intensify. The further along a person goes in the phases of addiction, the harder it is for them to stop. To better equip you to assist a loved one, we’ve broken down the five phases of addiction below.
Table of Contents
1. Initially Use
The initial use of a substance is the first stage of addiction. When someone uses a substance for the first time, they may do it out of curiosity or as a result of peer pressure. Additionally, doctors may prescribe drugs to patients, including opioids. Drug use can occur at any point in a person’s life.
People could think of their initial usage as a one-time thing, but it makes room for other uses in the future. Some individuals give a drug one try and never use it again. Some are influenced to use drugs more by external factors such as availability, peer pressure, mental health issues, or a family history of drug use.
2. Frequent Use
People may begin using substances regularly if they find the substance enjoyable and feel as though it will make their lives better. On weekends, while attending parties or hanging out with pals, they might do drugs or consume alcohol. Use on occasion could turn into a habit. It could fit into someone’s daily schedule.
This is the point when someone could be tricked into believing they can stop anytime they wish. Individuals who consciously choose to consume the material will likely have less cravings.
3. Dangerous Utilisation
After frequent use, dangerous use comes next. Even when there are negative social, legal, psychological, or bodily effects from substance use, people nevertheless use it. Although they probably began using it as a means of entertainment or escape from their peers, its use has now surpassed other facets of their lives.
4. Dependence
Physical, psychological, and emotional dependence on the drug characterizes the following stage. There is no longer any medical or recreational use of the chemical by the individual. Body withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, headaches, nausea, anxiety, and cramping in the muscles, appear when a person stops using the substance.
The substance is considered vital for survival by the body and mind. Even when it’s not essential, a person will take a substance to help them get through difficult times. Addiction becomes more probable at this point without assistance.
5. Substance Use Disorder
Although there are differences between substance use disorder and dependency, some people use the terms interchangeably. Substance abuse becomes a compulsion rather than a conscious decision once a person has a substance use disorder.
Without the substance, a person can feel like life is too much to handle. The impacts that were felt in the earlier phases will worsen. A person might give up their passions or hobbies, lose their job, drop out of school, or isolate themselves from friends and family.
It might be quite difficult for someone to stop on their own at this point. A doctor or addiction specialist who can treat their symptoms and suggest the best course of action for recovery will typically be necessary for them.
To maintain sobriety and make the required lifestyle adjustments to avoid relapse, an individual must seek assistance from Renaissance Recovery. Every stage of addiction treatment, from detox to aftercare, is vital. Additionally, their drug and alcohol addiction treatments ensure a smooth and successful recovery path.
Conclusion
Since addiction is thought to be a chronic brain illness, it is crucial to stay away from substances to prevent yourself from developing this illness. Even after receiving effective treatment, there are chances of relapse in this disease. Although impulses and cravings may last a lifetime, they are significantly reduced and managed healthily after a thorough treatment plan. To treat drug dependence and addiction as soon as possible, it’s critical to recognize their warning indicators early and stop ignoring your body and brain health.
