Addiction is a complex, multifaceted journey that affects not only those dealing with it but also their families, friends, employers, and neighbors. By understanding the stages of addiction, individuals can offer more robust support.
If you’re concerned about someone you know, Turning Point Behavioral Health shares the unique stages of addiction to help you gauge where they might be on this challenging journey.
Defining Addiction and Its Impact
Addiction is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It often involves the repeated use of substances or behaviors that trigger the brain’s reward system, leading to dependence.
Over time, individuals struggling with addiction may find it increasingly difficult to control their impulses, even when aware of the negative impact on their health, relationships, and well-being. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background.
Stage 1: Experimentation or Initial Use
The first stage of addiction begins with experimentation or introduction to a substance/behavior. This could be trying alcohol at a party or taking a prescription medication for an injury or after a surgery. Regardless of how the initial use occurs, it is the first step toward addiction.
While not every person develops addictive tendencies, a number of risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing addiction, including:
- Social issues or loneliness
- Mental health
- Family history
- Living environments
- Abuse or neglect
Still, these risk factors don’t guarantee an individual will develop a substance use disorder like addiction; other contributing factors often factor in, including the subsequent stages of addiction.
Stage 2: Regular Use
In the second stage, what began as occasional use starts to transition into regular usage. An individual might start using substances more frequently—perhaps to cope with stress or enhance social interactions. As a result, the body starts to crave the substance/behavior, and the individual may experience mild withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
Stage 3: Tolerance
When a person has been using a substance for an extended period of time, the body begins to build up a tolerance. In other words, the brain begins to change its reaction to the drug or substance, and the individual begins to take larger quantities in order to chase after their initial response.
Stage 4: Dependence
Over time, the body or brain might start relying on a substance to work “properly.” For example, people who have used cocaine or methamphetamine for a long time may find it hard to feel pleasure without the drug, a condition called anhedonia.
It’s important to note that not all drug dependence is addiction. However, if a person is using a drug beyond its intended use and/or becomes dependent on that drug to feel good separate from the condition being treated, it may be a type of dependence that leads to addiction.
Stage 5: Addiction
Dependence is what leads into addiction, but the truth is, there’s no clear definition of addiction. It’s made up of many different symptoms and behaviors, and every person might exhibit a myriad of these signs, such as:
- Using more of the substance than the person initially planned
- Being unable to stop using the substance
- Experiencing relationship problems based on substance use
- Reducing participation in favorite activities in favor of substance use
- Being unable to keep up with daily responsibilities due to substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped
Supporting a Person in Each Stage
Family members, friends, and those closest to an individual are often the first to notice when something is wrong. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you recognize the problem early, giving you a better chance to intervene before addiction takes a firmer hold.
Knowing When to Seek Help
Approaching a conversation with someone about addiction concerns requires sensitivity, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Start by choosing a private and comfortable setting to ensure the person feels safe and respected. Begin the conversation by expressing your care and concern for their well-being, using “I” statements to share your observations and feelings without placing blame.
For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been missing work lately, and I’m worried about you.” Listen actively to their perspective, offering support rather than solutions, and avoid using stigmatizing language. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and offer to assist them in finding the necessary resources, such as counseling or support groups. It’s important to respect their autonomy and understand that the decision to seek help ultimately rests with them.
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Recovery starts with taking the first step. Our team at Turning Point Behavioral Health is ready to help you or someone you know reclaim your life. We invite you to connect with our team to learn more about our residential behavioral health and outpatient services.
