What are some of the stages of addiction, and can we do anything to prevent them from happening?

Well the quick and easy answer to this is to practice complete abstinence.  If you do not take any drugs or alcohol then you will not be in danger of falling victim to drug addiction in any way.  But of course anyone who is here is probably not in a position to practice that idea, so let’s look a little deeper.

The first stage of addiction is when the person is not really addicted yet at all.  They may have just tried drugs or alcohol for the first time ever and really enjoyed the effects of it.  Their using is not out of control, they are still taking reasonable amounts, and they are still in line with most social norms for drug and alcohol intake.  Furthermore, taking the drug is still a lot of fun for them and they get maximum enjoyment and benefit from doing so.  There are virtually no negative consequences at this point.  They may not even have to pay for the drug or the alcohol at this point, someone else may be treating them or buying them drinks or whatever.

photo credit: achimh

The next stage of addiction is when it is becoming a problem, but there are still no major consequences.  The person has not gone to jail for a drunk driving, they have not been busted with illegal drugs, and they are not yet out of control.  But there may be some warning flags at this point and the handwriting is probably on the wall.  They may be buying their own supply now and they are using on a more consistent basis.  Instead of just a weekend thing they may be using their drug during the week as well now.  Or they may be at a point where they are no longer just using the substance to have fun, but to medicate pain, boredom, frustration, or anxiety.  Maybe they use to party on the weekends and have fun with it, but now they are using it just to “make it through the week.”  Instead of using to have fun or get high, they may be finding themselves using to nurse a hangover feeling, or to feel better in the mornings.  They may be experiencing minor consequences due to their using, but these are easily rationalized away at this point.

Then the last stage of addiction is what we would call “chronic.”  They have to use every day.  They have lost the power of choice completely.  It is no longer fun, though the person will not admit this usually.  They are consumed with their drug of choice and they spent all of their money and resources on getting more of it.  Holding a job is difficult or impossible.

So what can you do to prevent yourself from advancing through these addiction stages?  Like I mentioned earlier, the only method that works 100 percent of the time is total abstinence.  Quit any mood or mind altering drugs (including alcohol) and do not use them ever again.  This is the best and more reliable method.  You may need help in order to do that depending on how far along in your addiction you have progressed.  If you are quite far then you may need inpatient treatment or even long term rehab.  If you are early in the game then you might be able to go see a therapist once a week and talk about your problems and be fine.  Some people may even be at a point where they can return to normal use, and still enjoy social drinking and things like that.