4 Stages of Addiction

In almost every form of detox and rehab recovery program, most drug and alcohol counselors across the spectrum agree that there are four different stages of addiction: experimentation, habitual or daily use, abuse and dependency. Each stage is one step closer toward having a life that is dominated by alcohol or drug addiction.

Stage One: Experimentation

Experimentation happens when an individual starts to use drugs or alcohol for entertainment or in some cases to help them to cope with a crisis or circumstance. Experimentation can happen just once or it may happen at irregular intervals without any regularity. In most cases, experimentation with drugs and alcohol occurs without any legal or negative consequences. At the experimentation stage of addiction, the individual can stop their substance abuse and not suffer any effects. However if the individual does not stop their alcohol or drug use, they may be in jeopardy of progressing to the next stage which is the habitual or daily use stage.

Stage Two: Habitual or Daily Use

According to some counselors, it is possible to use drugs and alcohol on a daily basis and not become an addict or alcoholic. This type of individual is known as a functioning alcoholic or functioning drug addict. While it is still possible to quit at the daily use or habitual stage, there is a danger of crossing into the third stage, abuse, in which it is likely that the individual with substance abuse may become dependent. In this second stage, the individual can predict that they may be in trouble with their drug and alcohol use if they find themselves exhibiting certain behaviors such as:
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
• Depression
• Erratic or violent behavior

Stage Three: Abuse

If an individual continues their drug and alcohol abuse regardless of any legal or negative consequences they may be facing; most counselors agree that the individual has crossed into the third stage of addiction: abuse. There are many signs and symptoms indicating that the individual is at risk of progressing into the fourth and final stage of addiction, but according to counselors, many substance abusers will not accept the signs. The signs and symptoms are:
• Getting drunk or getting high
• Consumed with thoughts of using drugs or alcohol
• Having fatigue when they do not use drugs
• Anxious and irritable
• Strong cravings
• Becoming depressed

Stage Four: Dependency or Addiction

Once an individual is dependent on drugs or alcohol, counselors agree that there is an addiction. The signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction include:
• Suffer withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of the last time the substance was used
• Strong urge to use drugs and alcohol regardless of the consequences
• Decline in physical health
• Struggle with family issues, potential for career loss and financial problems.