STAGES OF ADDICTION

Addiction is a stage of dependence on a substance.

Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug, despite substantial harm and other negative outcomes.

Addiction also called substance use disorder is a disease that affects the user’s brain and behavior that leads to an inability to control the use of a legal drug or medication.


INITIATION STAGES

During this time, the individual tries substance for the first time. This can occur at almost any point in a person's life. The reasons a person can experiment with drugs can vary widely.

But two common reasons are linked to either curiosity or Peer Pressure.

NOTE: Just because someone has tried a drug, it does not mean that person has become an addict.

 The decision can also be impacted by other factors related to a drug rule in an individual’s life, such as

  •   Drug Availability!
  •   Family Environment!
  •  Mental Health conditions like anxiety and depression!
  •  Drug History!

 If circumstances align, they could continue, they may seem to start the second stage.

 

 EXPERIMENT STAGE

At the experimentation stage, the user has moved past simply trying the drugs on their own. And the user uses the drugs in different contests, to see how it impacts their life!

Generally in this stage, the drug is connected to social action such as experiencing pleasure or relaxing after a long day!

During this stage, there is little or no craving for the drug and the individual will still be making a conscious choice of whether to use or not.

They may use it impulsively or in a controlled manner and the frequency of both options mainly depends on the person’s nature of using drugs.

 

 REGULAR USE

As a person continues to experiment, his use becomes normalized and grows from periodic to regular use. This does not mean they use it every day but rather that there is some pattern associated with it.

The pattern varies based on the person but a few instances could be abuse every weekend or periods of emotional unrest like boredom, loneliness, or stress.

At this point social users may begin to take the chosen drug alone, the drug use may also become problematic at this point and hurt a person’s life.

For example; the individual may begin showing up at work intoxicated.

 

RISKY USE / ABUSE

Description: The use becomes dangerous or begins to negatively impact one’s life (health, relationships, work).

Signs:

  • Ignoring responsibilities or facing consequences due to use.
  • Increased tolerance (needing more for the same effect)
  • Taking risks (e.g., driving under the influence) 

          DEPENDENCE

Description: The body and/or mind adapts to the substance, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms without it.

Types:

  • Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms when not using.
  • Psychological dependence: Feeling unable to cope without it.

Signs:

  • Tolerance increases.
  • Preoccupation with obtaining or using the substance.
  • Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation

    ADDICTION (SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER)

Description: Compulsive use despite harmful consequences; the behavior becomes a central focus of life.

 Signs:

  • Loss of control over use.
  • Continued use despite physical, psychological, or social harm.
  • Failed attempts to quit.
  • Neglect of activities, responsibilities, and relationships.
 

Take a brief moment watch a video on mental health disorders and learn how small steps can make a big difference.

Click on the link below.

Mental health disorders and challenges of care

#socratesepistles

 

 

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