What are the 5 Stages of Addiction?
An estimated 21 million Americans struggle with some sort of substance addiction. Unfortunately, very few people actually seek out help and treatment for the disease. Addiction happens slowly over a period of time. Addiction is a mental health disease that occurs in stages from mild to severe. The addiction cycle is the process that every addict experiences starting from the initial stages to the severe stages and eventually to recovery. Each stage of addiction involves complex interactions between the brain and chemical pathways causing distinct behaviors throughout the process.
There are five stages of addiction give or take. The stages include initial use, abuse, tolerance and dependence, addiction and relapse. Each stage does not have a set timeline or time frame because it is dependent on each individual. In some cases, the entire cycle can occur over a short period of time or even months to years. Another thing to remember, not everyone experiences the last stage of relapse. However, relapse is still a very normal part of the addiction cycle.
What are the signs of having a Substance Addiction?
- Loss of control when it comes to the substance
- Lack of interest in hobbies once loved
- Denial
- Mood swings
- Multiple failed attempts to quit the substance
- Continued use of the substance despite consequences
- Development or worsening of depression, anxiety and paranoia
- Sleep problems such as insomnia
- Overwhelming thoughts about substance use
- Reckless behavior
- Social isolation and withdrawal from friends and family
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Poor performance in school or work
- Legal or financial troubles due to substance use
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5 Stages of Addiction
Stage 1. The first stage of initial use includes the first time a person uses the substance. They may begin use due to peer pressure or it may even be a medication prescribed by their physician. The first time using the substance may be all it takes for them to form an addiction due to the rush of dopamine the user experiences when using. This feel-good sensation will encourage the user to continue using. During this stage, the user may not realize they have a problem and can also be in denial that they have any problems at all. They can only see the negatives of quitting the drug and are not ready to take any action.
Stage 2. During the second stage of addiction is when the user begins to regularly abuse the substance. The user will repeatedly use the substance in an attempt to experience the positive effects and often to help them cope with mental health issues or escape reality. They may begin to experience changes in their lifestyle and even personality in order to cater to their drug use. Risky or reckless use of the drug including mixing multiple drugs can also occur during this stage. Polydrug use greatly impacts the risk of overdose because the body is not meant to handle too many toxic substances at the same time. Other common signs of abuse during this stage include being unable to control drug use, performing poorly at work or school, unexplained financial problems and continuing drug use despite negative consequences. During this stage, users can begin to contemplate and weigh out the pros and cons of drug use, but ultimately still find reasons to continue using.
Stage 3. In the third stage also known as tolerance and dependence, drug use will begin to cause tolerance and physical and psychological dependence. Tolerance occurs when the brain of an addict has changed and the user now requires higher amounts of the drug in order to achieve the same effects. Dependence is defined as the user’s body needing the substance in order to function normally and avoid withdrawal symptoms. The body has been rewired to believe that it needs substance in order to sustain and continue to cope with challenging life situations. The most common signs of tolerance and dependence include requiring higher amounts of the drug, being unable to go without the drug for a short period of time, having intense cravings for drug use and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drug use has stopped or significantly decreased. During this stage user will often continue to use the drug despite physical, mental or legal consequences. They started out using the drug as a way to escape reality, but now make it a priority over other aspects of their lives, which can also lead to reckless behaviors.
Stage 4. During this stage, a full-blown addiction has now developed. Addictive behaviors can become so severe users are unable to function without their substance of choice. The user’s health, financial status, and social life have been severely affected. Common signs of addiction include using more substances despite the known harm, having cravings that are impossible to ignore, being completely consumed by the thoughts of using the drug and going through withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. At this point, the user now has a substance use disorder in which they will endure painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they are not using their drug of choice. This will propel them to continue use in order to avoid symptoms such as insomnia, depression and anxiety. During this stage, the user will begin to recognize they may have a problem and are willing to take action. This can mean committing to a treatment program to help them overcome their addiction.
Stage 5. Not everyone goes through all five stages of addiction. However, it is perfectly normal to also go through the last stage, which is relapse. During the relapse stage, a user has chosen to stop using but might still experience intense withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms can be so extreme that they are willing to do anything to use again in order to avoid those painful feelings. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reports have found that relapse rates for addiction are at about 40-60%. Relapse can even occur before formal treatment when a person attempts to quit on their own. Although not everyone may go through a relapse, most people who have an addiction experience relapse at least once in their life.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
A substance use disorder (SUD) is when a person begins abusing a substance out of compulsion rather than choice. Substance Addiction is a chronic disease that carries a risk of relapse. Those diagnosed with SUD will often feel it is impossible physically and mentally to be without their drug of choice. At this point, the mind and body are now under the control of the drug. When a substance use disorder has taken hold, it is almost impossible to get the user to quit the drug on their own. A professional behavioral health treatment program such as Hotel California by the Sea is the best possible option for addiction treatment.
Our treatment program offers support at every level of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We use effective treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, family therapy and group therapy. Addiction treatment recovery is an ongoing process where clients will continue to use the knowledge and tools they learn in order to maintain their sobriety. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our client overcome their addiction and helping them reach their goals of sobriety.
References:
https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/5-stages-of-addiction
https://www.crestviewrecoverycenter.com/addiction-blog/5-steps-addiction/
https://delamere.com/blog/5-stages-recovery-process
https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/stages