There are five stages of drug and alcohol abuse: experimentation, regular use, problem or risky use, dependence, and addiction. People generally progress though these phases as they become addicted to substances.
Knowing them can help people recognize addiction in family members and friends, as well as themselves. The sooner addiction treatment is sought, the better. Rehabilitation is much easier in the early stages.
Experimenting With Substances
Experimentation is using drugs and alcohol voluntarily. This can be as a reaction to life circumstances, depression, or peer pressure. Use is occasional, and most people are able to quit on their own. However, many choose to continue because they like the feeling they get from drugs and alcohol.
Regular Drug Use
In this stage, the use of substances becomes more frequent, and the individual may begin to do it alone.
Addiction Problem or Risky Use
As the name suggests, the third stage is when individuals begin to suffer negative consequences from drug and alcohol abuse. Examples of problems could be relationship issues, physical or health problems, legal problems, trouble with a job, or getting into trouble while driving. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, almost a third of the people in the United States display risky drinking behavior.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
When an individual reaches the dependence stage, they no longer seem to care whether they suffer negative consequences. Some of the specific criteria for being dependent on drugs and alcohol include an increased tolerance to the substance, withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce usage, and extremely irresponsible behaviors, such as losing a job.
Substance Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction is when the condition is considered to be a disease. The person is no longer capable of controlling any aspect of it, and their life revolves around the substance. Obvious physical and mental changes have occurred.
