Understanding the stages of addiction

Although the stages of addiction are different for everyone, it is good to have a general idea of how addiction progresses. Stage One usually is about experimentation. Some people experiment, and their use stops there. For others, this can be the first step in a lifelong struggle with substance abuse. Stage two is where we commonly see regular use. You may begin to notice regular patterns of drinking, using or drug abuse. You may notice an obsession or compulsion that starts to become a more than regular occurrence. Stage Three is where the actual behaviour changes. The behaviour is often risky too. Drunken driving. Missing appointments and work. Actively pursuing people, places and things that involve the use. Despite the consequences of using, the risky behaviour in stage three continues.

Stage Four marks the final characteristics of the stages of addiction. These traits embarks a person on a journey of active addiction and or chemical dependency. This behaviour becomes chronic, and often relapsing. This is where we start looking at dealing with a treatable brain disease. A characteristic of addiction is cravings that tell a person’s brain that continued use is critical for their survival. Cravings are what drive the dependent person to continue to use, despite the damage that it creates in their life and to the lives of those around them.

The Four Stages of Addiction

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON BASIC STAGES OF ADDICTION HAS BEEN ADOPTED FROM THE BREINING INSTITUTE

STAGE 1: PRE-ADDICTION PHASE (Chemical users – Needs vigilance)

Chemical use is socially motivated. Psychological relief from the chemical use and the corresponding atmosphere

Starts to use chemicals as a relief of stress. Increase of tolerance to the chemical. Substance use starts to increase gradually.

STAGE 2: PRODROMAL PHASE (Chemical abusers – Needs intervention, may need treatment)

The person starts to experience chemically-induced memory loss and/or black-outs. This marks cognitive impairment. Often the person now starts to take substances secretly. Gulping or hurriedly consuming the chemicals is common place. Having feelings of guilt and shame over behaviors whilst intoxicated is expected. The addict will often try to cut off these feelings. This is a devastating cycle of denial of how a person actually feels inside. It is incredibly harmful and has long term ramifications.  After all we are emotional beings. In terms of stages of addiction, this one can last from anywhere between 6 months and 4-5 years.

STAGE 3: CRUCIAL PHASE (Chemically dependent – needs short to medium term treatment)

Stage three of the stages of addiction marks loss of control over the amounts consumed immediately following the first drink/drug. Explanations and rationalizations are offered and repeated for the use of the chemicals. Relational problems begin for the person. Home, friendships, work place issues and often legal issues start to surface. Denial is rife here too. It is never the addicts fault. Things are described as a spate of bad luck!  Loss of interest in social and,or recreational activities is noticeable. Hospitalizations begin in one form or another. Yet, treatment and the acknowledgement of addiction are a distant realization.

STAGE 4: CHRONIC PHASE (Chemically dependent – Needs medium to long term treatment)

Drinking and,or drugging at the start of the day are common. However some addicts only start in the evening and make gins to catch up for time lost. There are no hard and fast rules in the stages of addiction about when one starts using. Binge drinking is an example of this. A decrease in tolerance to the substance in stage 4 of the stages of addiction becomes noticeable. More booze and drugs, less effect. Tremors and, or hallucinations develop. Physical deterioration creeps in at a pace. Hospitals, treatment centers, prisons and death start to become the only four options available. The stages of addiction have been completed. The addict is now out of control, unmanageable in some way, and needs help.

Getting Help

Essentially, nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that controls movement, emotions, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The over stimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival, produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that teaches people to repeat the behavior of abusing drugs.

For more help with addiction and the brain contact Pathways Plett rehab. We are here to help +2782 442 4779 / +2744 533 0330.