What Are The 6 Stages of Addiciton?

Posted by Care Addiction Center on September 29th, 2021

It takes time to become addicted to drugs. It is not only the drugs that are addictive but also the lifestyle that goes with it. Often, friends and family members feel powerless in acknowledging this process due to the denial from the addict themselves.

There are six stages that are described when someone is becoming addicted to drugs. 

If you or a loved one uses drugs or alcohol, knowing the six stages of addiction can help determine whether help is needed. Addiction treatment centers can safely and effectively treat any stage of addiction – from detox to long-term recovery.

Here is a closer look at the 6 stages and how you can break the cycle.

1. Initial Use

In this stage an individual is trying out drugs or alcohol for the first time. This may start in high school, or college.

2. Experimentation

In this stage an individual is repeating use of substances that have been previously tried without the immediate consequence of addiction. Blackouts and even alcohol poisoning occurs in this stage as individuals become aware of the amount they can handle.

3. Regular Use

Regular use is when there starts to be a schedule to the drinking or use - when it goes beyond just a Friday night thing and maybe it has turned into a few days a week.

4. Dependence

Dependence on a substance can be a physical dependence or psychological dependence. For example, and individual might drink more to alleviate shakes or withdrawals, or be hiding or lying about the drug or alcohol use.

5. Addiction

Substance use becomes an addiction when a person is obsessed with or focused on the substance to the extent that it cannot be controlled even if the person suffers adverse consequences such as major impairments in life with work, family, or financial situations related to substance use. 

6. Treatment

Care Addiction can assist at any stage of addiction. We provide individualized care which is tailored to individual needs by providing tools and evidenced based practices for an individual to achieve lasting sobriety.  It is never too late to start treatment. 

If you or a loved one need help for an addiction and want to know more about treatment programs, feel free tocontact us.