The Stages of Drug Addiction

A substance use disorder isn’t something you planned on developing. However, you can’t say that you didn’t see it coming either. There are stages of drug addiction. In retrospect, they’re quite clear.

Trying Something New

Many don’t realize that the stages of drug addiction start with something as innocent as trying something new. A friend hands you a drink. You don’t know at the time that it’s lean. You find that out later.

Someone else shows you how to snort a line or take a hit of something. You’re at a party, and someone’s handing out pills. Similarly, you read about taking pain pills in different ways for a high and decide to try it. Florida drug rehab center therapists know that it doesn’t matter how you started, but there was an entry point.

Three Subsequent Stages of Drug Addiction End in Dependency

Next, you participate in the new habit more frequently. You hang out more with the people who do the drug you like. Besides that, you ask where you can buy some. Because you can’t always wait for others to invite you, you start buying your own supply.

The second behavior is the shift from recreational to regular use. What used to be a once-a-week habit now happens much more often. You might find yourself drinking every night now. This action leads seamlessly into the third stage–tolerance.

The next of the stages of drug addiction is your body develops a tolerance to the drug. Therefore, you have to use more to feel the same effect. One morning, you wake up to withdrawal symptoms. Dependency is now part of your life.

Detox and Rehab Provide the Necessary Turning Point

You learned about the entry point. Now, you want to make a change in your life. It’s time to look for a turning point. That’s where detox and subsequent rehab come in.

You work with therapists who understand the stages of drug addiction and your desire to quit using. They meet you where you’re at. It starts with detox, which lets you withdraw safely from the drug. The goal is to ensure that it’ll be a pain-free experience for you.

The second step is rehab. Therapists customize a care protocol for you. Furthermore, they help you heal through individual and group activities. Examples include:

• Individual therapy that encourages you to explore your reasons for becoming a recreational drug or alcohol abuser
• Group therapy sessions, which introduce you to peer support, accountability, and therapist-led education classes
• Family therapy as a way to reconnect with loved ones and regain trust while communicating your needs
• Behavioral therapy that helps turn dysfunctional actions into healthy ways of handling stressors and triggers
• Trauma therapy for program participants who struggle with situations from the past that affect the ability to remain sober

Recovery is a Phone Call Away

You went through the stages of drug addiction with remarkable ease. It seemed like an almost natural progression. In contrast, making a change appears to be more labor-intensive. Beaches Recovery wants to make it easy with just one call to 866.605.0532 today.