What Are The 3 Stages Of Addiction? Know How To Deal With Addiction
There are a large number of substances that can lead to addiction like alcohol, marijuana, opiates, stimulants and tobacco. Drug addiction is caused due to different factors including personal behavioral patterns, socio economic status, environmental influences and genetic factors. Getting addicted to any of these substances can be very harmful for your health and this addiction is also referred to as chronic and severe stage of substances use disorder. The addiction is the result of self control and it becomes difficult to handle the desire to stop taking these substances. Additionally, addiction is the progressive diseases that can take control over your life and brain making it difficult for you to get rid of the addiction. The first step to get rid of the addiction is to find out what are the 3 stages of addiction so that you will try to get your life in the right track. Addiction is known to cause detrimental consequences of your health and it also prevents you from performing the regular functions.
Reasons for addiction
Addiction does not happen overnight but it is the result of repeated substance abuse which might change the manner in which your body reacts to the substances. Addiction is the disease of the brain and you will get carvings making it difficult to get rid of the addiction. Weakness of character and willpower of the person can lead to addiction and handling this chronic relapsing disorder is the best way of getting rid of the addiction. Since it can impact your brain, addiction can cause progressive changes to the function and structure of the brain. While getting rid of the addiction is difficult, any kind of withdrawal can lead to compromised brain function. The chance of relapse is very high after the period of sobriety and dependency can also make it difficult for the addicts to lead a normal life.
What are the 3 stages of addiction?
Stage one- Binge and intoxication
The use of addictive substances releases dopamine in the brain and this is the reason why carvings are high when you use these substances. Gradually, your body will need a higher dose or large amount of drugs for producing the desired high effect. This is also known as bingeing where the addicts have to consume a larger amount of substances for experiencing these effects. The euphoric effects are often craved by the addicts as it stimulates the production of dopamine. For enjoying these effects, your brain will expect to continue the use of substances for getting the reward. The addictive drugs can make the brain to produce neuro transmitter chemicals and overtime it can cause structural damage to the brain. This is the time when you will need a large amount of drugs and bingeing involves consuming these drugs in large quantities so that it will make the body to experience the euphoric feelings.
Stage two- withdrawal and negative affect
Carving for alcohol is the second stage of addiction and it happens when you don’t drink or use drugs. This is the stage where you will need alcohol for survival instead of drinking for enjoyment. Quitting these addictions can lead to withdrawal symptoms like pain and discomfort and it can eventually expose you to danger in life. There are many severe symptoms that you might experience when trying to get rid of the addiction which includes confusion, seizures, vomiting and hallucinations. It is important to opt for medical detox for your health and well being by visiting a medical detox center. Addiction treatment therapies can be a great help for people with addiction so that they will not experience any of these withdrawal symptoms. Substance and alcohol abuse can impair your body and brain simultaneously and you will not be able to continue with the day to day activities. Eventually you will experience comedown and crash after the drugs starts wearing off and this will lead to uncomfortable symptoms. This full blown withdrawal can have a negative impact on your body and it will eventually take an ugly turn like muscle pain, body aches and nausea.
Stage three- preoccupation and anticipation
Third stage of addiction is the most important step of getting rid of the addiction and it is the stage where your brain will get rewired by the chemical dependency. Your brain will ask for alcohol and drugs for survival and it gets instruction to get these substances so that you will get the high. When you are unable to get these substances, you will look for ways to procure them so that your carvings can be fulfilled. When your brain does not get the drugs or alcohol, you will experience withdrawal symptoms and it will force you to consume more of these substances so that you can deal with these symptoms. The emotion regulation and rational decision making takes a back seat and you are unable to function due to the lack of these substances use. After getting the drugs or alcohol that you have been carvings, you will experience all these stages all over again.
Importance of dealing with addiction
Addiction can take a toll on your health, well being and overall life and it is important that you seek medical help to deal with addiction. Regardless of the stage of addiction you are present in, you will need to get rid of the addiction so that it does not take control over your life. When you abuse drugs regularly, it will lead to faster progression of the addiction and you will not be able to realize that you have been addicted. This is the time when you reach emotional despair and you are unable to stop yourself from abusing these substances. There are many consequences that you will have to deal due to the addiction like financial problems, health problems, damaged relationships and legal consequences. Stopping the use of any substances will make you realize that addiction has become a part of your life and professional treatment can help you get rid of the addiction for a bright and positive future.