Addiction is a condition that results from habitual consumption of substances, creating a dependency on them. It develops progressively in stages, gradually taking over the individual's life. Eventually, substance dependency and addiction impact the person’s overall health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Below, we are going to discuss what the stages of addiction are, what is needed for recovery, and how care and support can help with addiction and show good results.
What Are the Stages of Addiction? A Detailed Overview
Addiction has five stages and generally follows a pattern. Here is a breakdown of the different stages of drug addiction:
1. Experimentation
Addiction is a consequence of a habit that starts small. It generally starts with experimentation. Most people start with curiosity and are under the influence of friends and peers.
Signs:
- Occasional usage of substances
- Using substances at parties or social events
- Ignoring the effects of substances on the health
2. Regular Use
The second stage is the frequent use of substances. People often connect substance usage with stress release. People are found to use substances on heartbreaks, work stress, or any sad day. This association gives them a reason to drink often and shift from occasional to regular usage of substances.
Signs:
- Increased frequency of use
- Making it a part of the routine or planning around substance
- Finding more reasons for substance use
- Associating happiness and normalcy with substance
3. Risky Use
The third stage is when the individual makes substance use a part of daily life. This is the stage where early dependency begins, and the association of substance with every mood and emotion gets stronger.
Signs:
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Experiencing legal or financial problems due to drinking
- Being pointed out about the need and want for substance
- Physical and mental health declining
4. Dependence
The fourth stage is substance dependency. In this stage, the body becomes accustomed to the substance and craves survival. Going without substance use for long hours makes the individual irritable. They also cannot work, function, or think clearly without substance.
Signs:
- Need more amounts of substance for the intoxication effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when not having a substance for a few hours or days
- Cannot function without substance use
- Prioritising substance use over other activities
5. Addiction
Addiction is the final stage, which is when substance usage develops into a disorder. This is the stage when life revolves around the substance. The person lives in a state of intoxication all the time and chooses it over everything else: family, work, relations, etc.
Signs:
- Complete loss of control
- Severe consequences
- A constant state of intoxication
- Ignorance of everything
- Substance becomes the only priority.
Related Learning: What Does Making Amends Mean?
The Stages of Drug Addiction Recovery
Treatment for addiction is similar to the development of addiction. The journey thus requires commitment, constant support, and effective professional help. The following are the stages of recovery:
1. Acknowledgement
The first stage is admitting that there is an issue and it requires help and treatment. The mindset shift is important for the individual to recover. At Jagruti Rehab, we conduct therapy sessions to make the person realise the harms of addiction and the need to get treatment.
2. Detoxification
The next and one of the most crucial stages of drug addiction is detox, where the body is made to flush out all the harmful substances. The detox process can be very uncomfortable for the patient as withdrawal symptoms disturb them a lot, making medical supervision a necessity.
3. Rehabilitation
The next stage is rehabilitation, which is a residential program consisting of several types of therapies and counselling along with building a healthy lifestyle. Identifying and addressing the causes of addiction and the triggers and learning strategies to manage them is the focus in this stage.
4. Maintenance
The final stage is maintaining the lifestyle without substance. The focus in this stage is on continuing healthy lifestyle choices and relapse prevention with therapy and counselling. Individuals are also made to join support groups to keep them motivated in the journey.
Related Article: How To Stop Porn Addiction?
Stages of Drug & Alcohol Addiction: A Combined Approach
There is a large number of people addicted to both drugs and alcohol, which makes the recovery process very complicated. While the stages of addiction are the same, the treatment requires an integrated approach because of the two different types of substances. The experts at Jagruti Rehab plan a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient and combine it with holistic practices for maximum impact and long-lasting results with visible improvement in health.
Why Choose Jagruti Rehab for Addiction Support?
Jagruti Rehab is a house of experts who understand the stages of drug addiction. We use customised and uniquely designed treatment plans for each individual depending on the substance they are using, the stage of addiction they are in, health conditions, etc. The recovery planning consists of a combined treatment approach. We include medicines, lifestyle changes, nutrition, holistic practices, therapies, and counselling as part of our treatment. We also involve family counselling to help the families and train them to create a supportive environment for easier recovery and zero relapses. If you know someone struggling with addiction, get in touch with Jagruti Rehab today to help them move towards a healthier and happier life.
Frequently asked questions
When substance use starts to take centre stage in life, you should know it’s becoming an addiction. Some signs are frequent consumption, increased tolerance, mood swings, and ignorance towards other things.
Yes, professionals at Jagruti Rehab can help an addict with comprehensive treatment. However, early intervention is recommended for several reasons: easy recovery, better results, less impact on health caused by substances, and less loss of life.
The most challenging stage of addiction recovery is detoxification, as an addict is made to not use substances that trigger withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are intense for individuals in the advanced stages of addiction. At Jagruti Rehab, we use medical supervision to manage the symptoms to some extent and make the treatment easier for the individual.
The duration depends on the frequency and amount of substance used and also, sometimes, the type of substance, as some substances are more easily available than others. Also, external factors like peer pressure can influence a person to progress through the stages of substance addiction rapidly. Alternatively, some people may not ever move to the next stages of addiction.
Share
Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.
