The reality is that no one uses alcohol and drugs with the intention of becoming addicted. That is the cunning, baffling, and powerful nature of the disease of addiction. Some people may use alcohol and/or substances for a time and be perfectly fine, but others may only try something once and become addicted. This is also why it is important to be informed about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as the basics about the stages of addiction.
What Are the Stages of Addiction?
First, what exactly is addiction? According to the peer-reviewed thesis Drug Addiction, by Doctors Fluyau, Hashmi, and Charlton, “The definition of addiction among the general population is a fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. Medically, there are 2 categories: substance and non-substance addiction, and many risk factors predispose individuals to both. In particular, a history of risk-taking behavior, genetic predisposition, and propensity for stress play a role, [and] over time, addiction changes parts of the brain, specifically the dopaminergic system, responsible for perceiving rewards.”
It is also important to understand that addiction is a disease. For many years, people considered addiction a choice. However, this is false as there are many biological and genetic factors that come into play. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious, harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.” Also, this commonly starts with the first stage of addiction – experimentation.
The Stages of Addiction: Experimentation
The experimentation stage of addiction often starts in adolescence. It can start as innocently enough as trying alcohol at a party for the first time or experimenting with cannabis one time. For many people, this will be all. Yet, for those with a predisposition for addiction, it can be the beginning of a damaging and disruptive lifestyle.
This is also why it is important to be aware of family history when it comes to addiction. People with addiction in the immediate family are much more like to become addicted themselves. This is also true for people who have a history of addiction in their family lineage. This leaves an individual more genetically predisposed to addiction.
The Stages of Addiction: Regular Use
The next stage of addiction is regular use. It is important to understand that for many people, this can look rather normal. After all, alcohol and substance use have become very normalized in popular culture.
This is the stage where you most likely are using alcohol and substances with no to very little consequences. There may be a few signs that there may be an issue, like spending too much money on alcohol or having uncomfortable hangovers. But it is really the next stage where a problem starts to become more recognizable.
The Stages of Addiction: Risky Use
The “risky use” stage of addiction is when an individual may start to notice that they cannot stop once they start using or drinking. It is also the stage when negative consequences begin to manifest.
These consequences may be legal, they may be physical, and they certainly may start to be emotional. This is often the stage where friends and family start to become aware that there is a problem (even before the individual is aware of it). They may ask their loved one to stop, but the individual does not feel ready. This is where the “dependence stage” of addiction has set in.
The Stages of Addiction: Dependence
The most severe stage of addiction is the dependence stage. This is often the stage where someone wants to stop drinking or using, but is unable to.
The dependence is not just physical either. Many people find themselves emotionally and mentally dependent on substances as well. This is why relapses are so common, even after the substance has been detoxed from one’s system.
Recovering From Addiction
The good news is that there are effective treatments no matter what stage of addiction an individual is in. These include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma therapy, as well as holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation.
Many people also find that connecting to a 12-Step recovery group can be very helpful. Working with others in recovery brings about accountability and motivation. It also helps reduce the chances of a relapse.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we know that anyone can recover if they have the willingness and are ready to take action. We also believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes,” which is why all of our recovery plans are individualized with a focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help.
Addiction is not a monolith. It ranges from mild to severe. It also happens in stages. It is helpful to understand those stages to help you and your loved ones spot addiction earlier rather than later. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for all stages of addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about recovery and the stages of addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
