There are generally considered to be three stages of addiction: the early stage, the middle stage, and the late stage. In the early stage, a person begins experimenting with a substance or behavior, often out of curiosity or peer pressure. In the middle stage, they begin using more frequently and may start to experience negative consequences such as health problems or difficulties at work or school. In the late stage, addiction has taken hold and a person is unable to control their use despite negative consequences.
Once someone has reached the late stage of addiction they may also experience withdrawal symptoms when not using. This is not uncommon. Understanding the stages of addiction can help you recognize the signs when you or a loved one may be starting to slip into these stages.
It’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. It can be overcome with the right treatment.
What is Substance Addiction?
Substance addiction is a condition where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. It is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship issues, and legal troubles.
Substance addiction can occur with any type of substance, including prescription medications, illegal drugs, and even certain types of food. It can be difficult to overcome without professional addiction help and support from loved ones.
What are the Signs of Addiction?
The signs of addiction can vary depending on the substance or behavior involved, but some common signs include:
- Loss of control: difficulty limiting substance use or stopping despite negative consequences
- Preoccupation: spending a lot of time thinking about and obtaining the substance or engaging in the behavior
- Tolerance: needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Withdrawal symptoms: experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when attempting to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior
- Neglecting responsibilities: neglecting work, school, or other important obligations due to substance use or behavior
- Relationship problems: difficulties with interpersonal relationships due to substance use or behavior
- Risk-taking behaviors: engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence
- Financial problems: spending significant amounts of money on substances or activities related to addiction.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction, these signs can help you be sure. This is not an all-inclusive list of signs and some overlap with other conditions. If you suspect someone you love is struggling you should try talking to them about what may be happening.
The First Stage of Addiction: The Early Stage
The first stage of addiction is typically referred to as the early stage. During this stage, a person may experiment with drugs or alcohol and begin to develop a pattern of use. They may feel a sense of euphoria or pleasure from using the substance and may continue to use it in increasing amounts or more frequently. However, they may still be able to function normally in their daily life and may not experience significant negative consequences yet. It’s important to seek help at this stage before the addiction progresses further.
The Second Stage of Addiction: The Middle Stage
The second stage of addiction is often referred to as the middle stage. During this stage, a person’s use of drugs or alcohol becomes more frequent and may start to interfere with their daily life. They may begin to experience negative consequences such as problems at work or school, relationship issues, and health problems. Despite these negative consequences, they may continue to use the substance and find it difficult to cut back or quit on their own. This is a crucial stage where professional treatment can make a significant difference in helping someone overcome addiction.
The Last Stage of Addiction: The End Stage
The last stage of addiction is often referred to as the end stage or late stage. During this stage, a person’s addiction has become severe and they may have developed a significant physical and psychological dependence on the substance. They may experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the substance and may require medical detoxification. Their health may be severely impacted, and they may struggle with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It’s important to seek immediate professional help at this stage as it can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What are the Seven Steps in the Cycle of Addiction?
The 7 steps of the cycle of addiction are:
- Experimentation: trying a substance or behavior for the first time
- Regular use: using the substance or engaging in the behavior on a regular basis
- Risky use: using more than intended, taking risks while under the influence, or experiencing negative consequences
- Dependence: experiencing physical and/or psychological dependence on the substance or behavior
- Addiction: being unable to stop using despite negative consequences and having a strong desire to continue using
- Consequences: experiencing negative impacts on relationships, work/school performance, physical health, and mental health
- Treatment and recovery: seeking professional help and making lifestyle changes to overcome addiction
What is the Difference Between the 7 Steps in the Cycle of Addiction vs the 3 Stages of Addiction?
The 7 steps in the cycle of addiction are more focused on the behavioral and psychological changes that occur during addiction, while the 3 stages of addiction are more focused on the physical and medical aspects of addiction.
While the 7 steps in the cycle of addiction can provide a more detailed understanding of how addiction develops over time, the 3 stages provide a broader overview of how addiction progresses from early to late stages. Both models can be useful in understanding addiction and developing effective treatment strategies.
How Do You Break the Chain of Addiction?
Breaking the chain of addiction can be a challenging and complex process, but it is possible with the right support and resources. Here are some steps that can help:
- Acknowledge the problem: recognizing that there is a problem and accepting that changes need to be made is an important first step.
- Seek professional help: working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the recovery process.
- Build a support network: connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences or joining a support group can provide encouragement and motivation.
- Develop healthy coping strategies: finding new ways to cope with stress or difficult emotions, such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative expression, can help reduce reliance on addictive behaviors.
- Make lifestyle changes: adopting healthier habits such as regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep can promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.
Breaking the chain of addiction often requires ongoing effort and commitment, but with perseverance and a strong support system, recovery is possible.
Do You or a Loved One Need to End the Chain of Addiction?
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction you may be looking for a solution. Learning more about addiction treatment and reaching out for help is the first step. When it comes to addiction recovery, there are many options in order to receive a well-rounded treatment plan.
If you want to learn more, you can contact Westwind Recovery to learn more about treatment programs and the disease of addiction. Westwind offers a variety of programs and therapies as well as support for mental health disorders. They can help you determine what will work best for you or a loved one.
Tiarsha Harrison, Content Specialist
Tiarsha Harrison attended Lynn University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism. She is a published freelance/content writer and writes about a variety of different topics. Tiarsha has been writing about addiction and mental health for nearly 2 years.
