Dozens of risk factors and preventative measures influence the likelihood of drug or alcohol addiction. However, unless you have a clear reason to be aware of them—such as a family history of substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD)—some of the key symptoms and maladaptive behaviors might be easy to miss. Knowing the four stages of addiction helps you become more insightful about your or a loved one’s habits—and choose to get help before things get out of control.
Your Brain Changes First
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as a “chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.”
In fact, according to studies conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “well-supported scientific evidence shows that disruptions in three areas of the brain are particularly important in the onset, development, and maintenance of substance use disorders: the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.”
Additionally, SAMHSA describes the reactions that occur in the brain when someone continues to use substances, which we provide verbatim:
- Enables substance-associated cues to trigger substance seeking (i.e., they increase incentive salience).
- Reduces sensitivity of brain systems involved in the experience of pleasure or reward, and heightens activation of brain stress systems.
- Reduces functioning of brain executive control systems, which are involved in the ability to make decisions and regulate one’s actions, emotions, and impulses.
NIDA states that “no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted.” However, almost everyone is capable of developing this brain disease if they advance through the following four stages without professional intervention.
The 4 Stages of Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition that evolves through distinct stages, each with certain characteristics and risks. Let’s take a closer look.
Experimentation
This is typically the initial stage when an individual tries alcohol or drugs out of curiosity, to relieve stress, in response to social pressure, or a desire for a new experience. This usually happens in social settings, such as parties or gatherings, where the environment may encourage trying a substance for the first time. Experimental use is usually limited, and there’s no pattern of repeated behavior. There’s also not a significant psychological or physical dependence at this stage, and the use is usually seen as recreational.
Risks:
- While experimentation doesn’t always lead to addiction, it can be the gateway for anyone susceptible to developing a dependence, especially if the substance use continues.
Regular Use
As the name suggests, this stage is a consistent pattern of substance use. Your or a loved one begins to use the substance more frequently, though not necessarily in excessive amounts, such as on weekends, after work, or in other routine situations. While regular use is a lifestyle choice, it doesn’t yet dominate your daily life. However, it might become a problem for certain individuals, such as professionals in high-achieving careers, or if you have trouble relaxing or being confident in different situations.
Risks:
- There might be a growing psychological attachment, even though physical dependence hasn’t typically developed.
- Regular use increases tolerance, which means you need more of the substance to achieve the same effects.
- The frequency of use makes the transition to the next stage more likely, especially if someone starts using the substance to cope with problems or stress.
Abuse/Risky Use
At this point, you may be using alcohol or substances in ways that have negative consequences in your life. This includes problems at work, school, or in relationships, or you’re consuming excessive amounts, driving under the influence, and engaging in other risky behaviors.
Risks:
- The psychological reliance on the substance grows stronger, and someone starts to develop cravings and prioritize substance use over other aspects of life.
- Physical dependence develops too, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used.
- Continued substance misuse quickly leads to the final stage, where addiction becomes entrenched.
Dependence
Dependence, or addiction, is when an individual has lost control over their substance use, and it’s become a central part of their life—and they might feel unable to function without it. Tolerance is typically quite high at this stage, and psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms are severe when the substance isn’t used. Additionally, a person with AUD or SUD continues misusing substances despite knowing the harmful consequences.
Risks:
- Dangers include potential overdose, chronic health issues, legal problems, financial difficulties, and significant damage to relationships and social standing.
- When left untreated, AUD and SUD often prompt a downward spiral as a person’s life becomes increasingly dominated by their condition, often requiring professional medical assistance to overcome.
It’s important to note that early intervention at any stage significantly improves outcomes and prevents long-term damage.
Turn to Great Oaks for Quality Care
Once someone develops an addiction, can they be “cured”? Not exactly, but like any other chronic health condition, they can receive evidence-based treatment and consistent aftercare that provides a foundation of lasting recovery through effective disease management.
At Great Oaks Recovery Center outside of Houston, Texas, our board-certified professionals design treatment solutions based on whole-person wellness: mind, body, and spirit. We want to give you all the tools necessary to build a healthier life in recovery—call our admission staff today to learn more.
