The stages of Addiction
The "cycle of addiction" refers to the reoccurring mental and behavioral habits that hinder someone in recovery from addiction from completing their recovery.
They are termed addiction cycles as, until and unless the pattern is broken, the addicted individual will almost certainly continue to act out the same repetitive behavior patterns.
Now there are different stages of this cycle, but usually, the pattern of behavior is considered to be of the same nature.
Learning about these stages of the addiction cycle can help you identify where you stand currently and what measures you must take to break it.
What are the stages of addiction?
1. Initial Use: When you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes for the first time, it is referred to as the initial use stage of the addiction cycle.
A similar scenario could take place with gambling. You see people in your friends engaging in gambling, and then ultimately, you also try it for the first time.
Whatever the reason may be, the first stage of the addiction cycle is always the initial use.
2. Abuse: At this stage of the addiction cycle, the person starts to engage in the addictive activity on a regular basis. You use that thing or engage yourself in it at such a level it is considered to be harmful to you.
For example, getting addicted to using social media to the extent that you have destroyed your social life outside of the digital world.
3. Tolerance: At this stage, the addicted person becomes so used to the addictive thing that they now need more to achieve the same level of physical and mental satisfaction. This ultimately forces you to engage in that activity more frequently and use it without any limit. The brain has essentially changed its response toward that addictive thing.
4. Dependence: At this stage, as the name suggests, the person becomes dependent on the addictive thing.
You will find it extremely challenging to fight your urge and will feel as if your mind and body may not work properly if you don't get that thing.
5. Addiction: At this stage, the person realizes that they have now become addicted to the thing that they initially used due to peer pressure, depression, or any other reason.
You are now using that thing without any limit, you are not able to control yourself, your relationships are getting affected by it, and your mind is not working in a proper manner when you are not engaged in that activity.
This is the stage of addiction.
6. Relapse: This is the final stage of the addiction cycle. Relapse is something that usually happens with most people who have taken addiction treatment. There are a number of reasons for relapse to happen.
For example, you do not get proper treatment, or you try to quit the addiction yourself, but after some time, you lose control and relapse.
Self Assessment: Am I Addicted to Sex?
How to get help
In such scenarios, it is vital to get assistance from a professional who has extensive experience in treating people with process addictions.
You can schedule an appointment today. You either do this work now, or you will do it later. Start on the path that's right in front of you.
