Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease that has an impact on a large number of people globally. It is crucial to know the stages of drug and alcohol addiction so that people can identify the symptoms and get the proper treatment before the condition worsens. This article aims to describe the process of addiction, the process of moving from the first use of substances to rock bottom, and the process of recovery. It is essential to seek help and get professional help at any level of addiction to help the individual stop and avoid going back to it.
Key Takeaways
- Addiction develops through several stages, starting with experimentation and potentially leading to dependence, addiction, and hitting rock bottom.
- Recognizing the early signs of addiction can help prevent more severe substance use disorders and lead to more effective treatment.
- Professional help and support are essential for recovery, especially after hitting rock bottom.
Introduction
Addiction is a disease that affects everyone; it is a chronic and progressive disease that can affect anyone. It starts with trying and using it frequently and then slowly moves to high-risk taking, addiction, and dependence. People and their families need to be aware of these stages so that they can be able to identify the signs of the addiction and seek help before it gets worse. Whether you are worried about your own substance use or the use of a loved one, knowing the stages of change from initiation to recovery can be life-saving.
The Stages of Addiction
1. Experimentation
The first stage of addiction is called experimentation, where a person uses drugs or alcohol for the first time. This stage is usually initiated by curiosity, peer pressure, or the need to explore something new in society. In this phase, substance use is generally not frequent and may be used in the course of social activities. Although the individual may not yet have any adverse effects, this stage can lead to more frequent use if the substance produces the desired outcome.
Signs to Watch For: Occasional substance use, typically in social settings, with no immediate negative consequences.
2. Regular Use
When the individual starts using substances frequently, the pattern of substance use is set. This stage is characterized by the use of substances such as drugs or alcohol to help the individual cope with stress, unwind, or have a good time. At this stage, the use of the substance may still be voluntary, and the individual may still be able to control the amount of substance they take. Still, the frequency of use increases, and the person may start to justify his or her behavior.
Signs to Watch For: Increased frequency of use, developing routines around substance use, and beginning to make excuses for continued use.
3. Risky Use
Risky use is defined as the situation where the individual begins to suffer adverse effects from substance use and continues to use the substance. This stage involves risky behaviors like driving while under the influence of alcohol or using substances in the wrong places. The individual may also start having difficulties at the workplace, in academic institutions, or in interpersonal relationships due to substance use, but such problems are not taken seriously.
Signs to Watch For: Engaging in dangerous behaviors while under the influence, experiencing conflicts at work, school, or in relationships, and continuing to use despite negative consequences.
4. Dependence
Dependence is the stage where the individual becomes physically and mentally attached to the substance. Their body starts to need the substance to work correctly, and they experience withdrawal when they try to quit or cut back. Tolerance also rises, which implies that the person has to take more of the substance to get the same results. The person continues to take the substance even when it has adverse effects on his or her life, and he or she may even feel that he or she cannot do without it.
Signs to Watch For: Withdrawal symptoms when not using, increased tolerance, and continued use despite severe health or social consequences.
5. Addiction
Substance use disorder or addiction is the stage where the person is no longer able to manage the use of the substance. It becomes the center of their life, and they suffer from social, occupational, and physical problems. The individual may wish to stop at this stage but cannot do so quickly. Substance use becomes the most essential thing in their life, and they may end up neglecting work, family, and even personal hygiene.
Signs to Watch For: Inability to stop using despite a desire to quit, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing significant health and social problems.
6. Hitting Rock Bottom
Rock bottom is usually defined as the lowest point of the individual’s life when he or she experiences the worst effects of the addiction. This could be in the form of losing a job, having legal problems, or even a complete and utter breakdown in personal relationships. Rock bottom is a point that is considered a point of realization where the individual understands the extent of damage caused by the addiction and the need for change. But, the bottom can also be dangerous because it may entail health complications, legal issues, or even deep depression.
Signs to Watch For: Experiencing life-altering events that highlight the severity of the addiction, feelings of hopelessness, and a recognition of the need for change.
7. Crisis/Chronic Dependency
In this stage, the subject is severely struggling with addiction and may have developed physical and psychological ailments, legal issues, and isolation. The addiction dominates all spheres of their life, and they may become a chronic relapse, with many readmissions, legal interventions, or the loss of friends and family. It is pretty discouraging, and one may feel that there is no way they can improve their situation without the assistance of a professional.
Signs to Watch For: Long-term health problems, frequent hospitalization or incarceration, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness about recovery.
The Path to Recovery
Recognizing the Need for Help
It is crucial to identify the signs of addiction at any time, but it is even more so after the person has reached rock bottom. This is the first step towards the process of recovery. Individuals struggling with addiction need to know that addiction is a disease that requires medical attention to be cured. This is because it is never too late or too early to get help, and the fact of the matter is that recovery is possible at any stage of the addiction.
The Role of Professional Treatment
It is crucial to seek help from a professional to help one overcome the addiction once they have reached rock bottom. The available treatments are detoxification, therapy, and support groups. These programs are both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, which enable individuals to get and stay clean. It is, therefore, essential to seek the assistance of professionals to differentiate between a life of struggle and a life of recovery.
Steps Toward Recovery
The recovery process involves several key steps: detoxification to rid the body of the substance, rehabilitation to treat the mental side of the addiction, and aftercare to prevent relapse. It is a process that takes time and effort, and people have to be around them to help them. Outpatient services such as counseling and support groups are vital to avoid the patient’s relapse and maintain the achieved recovery.
Conclusion
Addiction is a chronic disease that is characterized by a process of development through different stages, from initiation to rock bottom. It is essential to be able to identify these signs early so that the substance use disorders do not progress to more severe levels and so that treatment can be more successful. But as the saying goes, there is always a second chance, which is true even when one has hit rock bottom. It is imperative to seek help from professionals at all levels of addiction to help people change their lives and overcome their addictions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call Virtue Recovery Killeen at 866-843-0545 for support and guidance on the path to recovery.
FAQs
What are the early signs of addiction?
Some of the signs of addiction include experimenting with the substance, using regularly, and even seeking reasons to use it, even if there are negative consequences.
How does addiction progress from regular use to dependence?
Addiction is a process where the person starts using substances more often, gets used to the substance, and then needs it to feel normal.
Can addiction be treated after hitting rock bottom?
Yes, addiction can be treated after hitting rock bottom. In fact, reaching rock bottom often serves as a turning point where individuals recognize the need for change and seek help.
What is the difference between dependence and addiction?
Dependence is the physiological need for a substance where the body reacts when it is not used. Addiction is a combination of physical and psychological dependence where the addict has a strong urge to take the substance even if it has adverse effects on his or her health.
How can I help a loved one who has hit rock bottom due to addiction?
It involves convincing the affected person to visit a doctor, offering emotional support, and helping the affected person to contact organizations that can help him or her, such as drug rehabilitation centers.
What are the treatment options for addiction after hitting rock bottom?
The available treatments include detoxification, rehabilitation, counseling, group meetings, and other forms of care meant to address the body and mind.
How does withdrawal impact the recovery process?
It is a process usually experienced when the use of the substance is reduced or stopped, and it can be physical or psychological. It is, therefore, essential to seek medical attention when undertaking the process of detox to control these symptoms.
What role does aftercare play in maintaining sobriety?
Aftercare is vital in ensuring that the individual does not relapse. It offers support, counseling, and other services to assist the individual in dealing with the new life after recovery.
Can addiction be managed without professional help?
Although some people may try to overcome addiction without the assistance of a professional, it is usually best to seek help to deal with the various aspects of addiction, get the proper treatment, and improve the prospects of recovery.
How does Virtue Recovery Killeen support individuals in recovery after hitting rock bottom?
Virtue Recovery Killeen is a treatment center that provides a full range of services for people of all levels of addiction, including detoxification, therapy, and aftercare for those who have reached rock bottom.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597351/
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/stages-of-opioid-addiction
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stages-of-addiction
- About the Author
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Nicki Lugo is currently employed as Clinical Director at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas. Nicki is a licensed clinical professional counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada and a licensed associate counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Nevada. Additionally, Nicki has specialized training in treating trauma and is a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS).
Nicki has earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders.
Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower.
