From Experimentation to Dependency: Examining the Cycle of Drug Addiction

Substance use can start off innocently, with many people wanting to try out a substance without realizing they can become addicted to it. Unfortunately, far too many people continue the cycle of drug addiction and end up using the substance far more frequently, even as it starts to impact their lives negatively. When someone is going through the cycle of drug addiction, the earlier they can get help, the better it can be for them and the easier it can be to recover. 

Initiation into Substance Use

Often, the initiation into substance use is done through friends or peers. Studies have shown that a majority of people who end up with an addiction will go through the initiation phase while they’re a teenager or young adult. This phase is not enough to cause addiction on its own, but continuing down the path can and does lead to substance abuse issues. Beginning comprehensive treatment for drug addiction can help anyone who feels they may be suffering from an addiction.

Experimentation

After the initiation, the person may decide to use the substance again. Often, the first substances used are nicotine, alcohol, or marijuana, but they can include any substance. The person might decide to try out different substances to see how they feel and the impact they can have. During this phase, they may use the substance occasionally, but may not have many severe negative consequences. 

Regular Use

Following experimentation, the person may find a substance that makes them feel good, even if it’s only temporary, and they may start to use it regularly. They may not see impacts at home or work yet, but they do tend to spend more money on the substance and may start to seek it out more frequently. Occasional use turns into regular use, with the person seeking out the substance whenever they desire. 

Problematic Use

With regular use over time, the person can end up using the substance far more often than they anticipated. They may find it has turned into problematic use, where there are more consequences for their actions. During the problematic use stage, they may be reprimanded at work, have trouble at home, or start to have financial issues because they’re starting to spend too much money on the substance. 

Dependence

When there are negative consequences to the substance use, the person may try to quit. It’s then that they’ll notice a physical dependency on the substance, which can be challenging to overcome alone. A physical dependency means they’ll go through withdrawals if they stop taking the substance, and this can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from uncomfortable to deadly and can grow worse the longer a person uses substances before they seek help. 

Substance use and abuse go through numerous phases before addiction, and it can be challenging to spot the transitions between them. Anyone can go through these phases, though it is possible to stop after the first few phases and prevent an addiction. However, many people believe they can do this, and then realize they are past the regular use phase and need help fro their addiction. If you or a loved one has started using substances or may be suffering from an addiction, professional help is needed. A comprehensive treatment plan started right away can help them overcome the addiction and start their recovery.