How Addiction Develops (E24)
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Gill discusses how addiction develops. She explains the different stages from trying your first sip of alcohol to being unable to stop drinking even though you want to. She talks about her own progression through the stages, and a very important memory that’s been on her mind recently.
Key Takeaways
A commonly used definition of addiction is that it’s “characterized by the person’s change in behavior that focus on drug use, even when the negative effects of use are creating consequences in the person’s life. These include: problems in relationships, trouble keeping up at work or school, financial difficulties, problems with the law, physical injury due to drug use or risk-taking behaviors during drug use.” I used this second definition to justify my drinking because I was 0/5.
Initiation is where you first try drugs or alcohol. Next comes experimentation where the person thinks they are in control and their experimentation won’t lead anywhere. Experimentation then progresses to regular use, where the person has incorporated the substance into their life. This is the point where minor negative consequences and suffering start to show up, like hangovers interfering with work or obligations at home.
As regular use continues it evolves into problem use. This is where drinking or drug use impacts daily life and the lives of those closest to us. The last stage is dependence, and is where the person is unable to stop drinking or doing drugs without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Cite this episode
Tietz, G. Episode 24: How Addiction Develops. Sober Powered. 2020
Sources
Sunrise House Treatment Center. How Addiction and Dependency Set In. American Addiction Centers. 2020
Journey Pure. The Stages of Addiction: How Casual Use Evolves into Dependence.
