| THE STAGES OF ADDICTION |
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BEGINING USE - usually starts as a result of curiosity, boredom or peer pressure. At this stage, people can control their use. |
EFFECTS - there is a feeling of euphoria followed by a return to normal.
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| HABITUAL USE/ABUSE - at this stage, a person continues to use drugs despite negative consequences (DWI’s, lateness, problems at home/school). A person will seek out the drug with greater frequency, usually leading to a pattern (drinking every night, drinking alone). Abuse is often linked to stress, anxiety, depression, sadness, pain, and guilt. |
EFFECTS - intense pleasure is the desired effect, but when it wears off, it is often followed by uncomfortable feelings (guilt, shame, and in some cases, craving)
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| EARLY DEPENDENCE/ADDICTION - at this stage, there is a loss of control as the drug becomes the focal point in the user’s life. Most, if not all, activities in a person’s life revolve around use of the drug. The drug is needed to avoid pain and depression from withdrawal and the person no longer has the ability to cut down on use. The line between abuse and dependence is not often clear, but dependence includes physical withdrawal symptoms for the substance. |
EFFECTS - the normal state for an addicted person is one of pain and discomfort; the drug is used to feel a state of normalcy. At the stage, a person often does not get “high”. Physical and psychological changes occur in the brain and body. The only way to effectively treat addiction is to first treat the physiological changes that have occurred in the brain. After the cravings and withdrawal symptoms have been eliminated, the person is better prepared to address the underlying reasons which led to their addiction.
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| The only way to effectively treat addiction is to first treat the physiological changes that have occurred in the brain. After the cravings and withdrawal symptoms have been eliminated, the person is better prepared to address the underlying reasons which led to their addiction. |
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