Stages of Drug Addiction

While there is no absolute scientific formula for identifying when an individual’s drug consumption has developed into a full-blown addiction problem, most rehabilitation counselors agree that there are four distinct stages of drug use that may lead to addiction. The four stages are generally acknowledged as drug use or experimentation, the misuse of drugs, the abuse of drugs and a drug dependency or addiction. While individuals in the first or second stages of use and misuse may not necessarily progress into drug addicts, individuals in the third stage of drug abuse are likely to develop full-blown addiction problems.

Drug Use or Experimentation

The first stage on the potential road to drug addiction, the use of drugs without experiencing any negative consequences is what rehabilitation counselors refer to as experimentation or simple drug ingestion. Enjoying a drink, smoking a marijuana joint or taking any other drug with friends or colleagues without any serious social or legal consequences is regarded as drug use or experimentation. While such behavior is not to be encouraged, it is a fact of life for many teens and adults.

Misuse of Drugs

The misuse of drugs occurs when the individual experiences some form of negative consequences as a direct result of having ingested any one particular drug. For example, someone who becomes inebriated at a party or get-together and is stopped for drunk driving on his or her way back home has misused alcohol even if that person does not normally drink to excess and is not an alcoholic. Examples including the one just mentioned occur in a fairly large percentage of the North American public at some point in a person’s life, and while not everyone who has misused drugs becomes an addict, the regular misuse of any drug is a telltale sign of an addict in waiting.

Abuse of Drugs

When an individual frequently misuses drugs in spite of any negative social or legal consequences that may result from such misuse, said individual has progressed from an occasional misuse of drugs to the more serious stage of the abuse of drugs. In effect, the negative consequences arising from the misuse of drugs has done nothing to curb the individual’s appetite for drug ingestion to the point of inebriation even in the face of serious penalties and possible broken relationships. Often begun as a temporary form of emotional escapism, drug abuse leads to much more serious problems in the long run.

Drug Addiction and Dependency

Once an individual has begun to abuse drugs, it is likely that the continuation of such behavior will lead to a drug addiction or dependency problem. Drug addiction or dependency is defined as a compulsion to take drugs despite any and all negative consequences to the individual’s relationship with his or her family, friends and work colleagues; physical and mental health; personal finances; job security; and at one extreme, a criminal record. While the reasons an individual progresses from the simple or occasional use of drugs to a possibly fatal dependency on drugs are not all clear, once this stage has been reached most addicts cannot function without consuming drugs. Addictions can be physical, psychological, emotional or any combination of the three, but at this stage professional help must be sought.

Social Drug Use, Regular Use

Social drug use is the use of any drug or combination of drugs in social situations, or for social reasons. If such social use causes any harm, physical or otherwise, to the user or others, it is also considered abuse. Social use of alcohol or other drugs often leads to further and elevated use.

Alternatively, those with strong tendencies to isolate themselves socially may move from experimentation to regular use in the absence of social situations.

Problem Use, Risky Use

Examples of problem use or risky use of drugs and/or alcohol include binge drinking and drug abuse.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is heavy use of alcohol periodically. This can result in harm to the physical health of self and others, and negative behavioral consequences, which may result in bodily harm to self or others. For example, harm may be caused by heavy periodic use of alcohol or other drugs while pregnant, driving while intoxicated, or either neglecting or inflicting violence on self and others while under the influence. The National Household Survey On Drug Abuse (NHSDA) defines binge alcohol use as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion at least one day in the past thirty days.

Substance Abuse

The characteristic feature of substance abuse is the presence of dysfunction related to the person's use of alcohol or other drugs. HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [HHS/SAMHSA], 1994) describes substance abuse as "the use of a psychoactive drug to such an extent that its effects seriously interfere with health or occupational and social functioning." Substance abuse may or may not involve physiologic dependence or tolerance. For example, use of substances in weekend binge patterns may not involve physiologic dependence; however, it may have adverse affects on a person's and possibly others' lives.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) produced by the American Psychiatric Association is used across the medical and mental health fields for diagnosing both substance abuse and mental health disorders. According to the DSM-IV, substance abuse is "a mal adaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by" a variety of possible symptoms of impairment. Neglect of children is specifically listed as a potential symptom of substance abuse (American Psychiatric Association, 1994)

 Addiction, Chemical Dependency

With continued use, many persons' use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs becomes addiction: a disease in which the substances have caused changes in body, mind, and behavior. As a result of this disease, addicted people are unable to control their use of substances despite the negative consequences that occur as a result. 

Addiction may be a chronic, relapsing disorder and as the disease process progresses, recovery becomes increasingly difficult. Chemical dependency occurs most frequently in those who have a family history of the disease. Chemical dependency may cause death if the person does not completely abstain from using alcohol and other mood-altering drugs (HHS/SAMHSA, 1996a). The DSM-IV distinguishes dependence from abuse primarily by the presence of more abuse symptoms (three or more rather than at least one), and the possible presence of tolerance (needing more of the substance for the same intoxicating effect) or withdrawal (physical symptoms that occur when the substance is not used).

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) describes drug dependence as having two possible components:

1. Psychological dependence
2. Physical dependence

Psychological dependence centers on the user's need of a drug to reach a level of functioning or feeling of well-being. Due to the subjective nature of this term, it is not very useful in making a diagnosis. Physical dependence, however, refers to the issues of physiologic dependence, establishment of tolerance, and evidence of an abstinence syndrome or withdrawal upon cessation of alcohol or other drug use. Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal develop differently depending on the particular substance (HHS/SAMHSA, 1994)..

Myths and Realities about Drugs

Common Myths About Addiction

While it’s impossible to list every myth associated with substance abuse, we’ve listed 10 of the most common misconceptions about addiction and the facts that dispel these myths.

Myth #1: Addicts Can End Use Whenever They Wish

Many people believe that someone suffering from addiction is making the conscious choice to keep using. As someone looking in at an addicted person, it’s easy to wonder why that person won’t just stop. Thoughts like “If she loved me, she’d stop” and “He’s choosing the drugs over me” prevail the thinking of many people who love someone who’s addicted. It’s common to assume that an addicted individual wants to live the life of an addict.

This misguided view ignores the very definition of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as an enduring condition that triggers the user to compulsively search out and use substances. Often, this use will continue regardless of the repercussions, no matter how unwanted they become. People in addiction often experience loss of friends, jobs, and housing as well as negative physical and mental health effects. The power of addiction perpetuates continued use even despite the repercussions.

Another factor that makes quitting more complex is dependence. When someone is dependent on a drug, his body begins to require it to feel and function normally. If he does attempt to end use, he will experience varied levels of physical and mental distress for a period. This is known as withdrawal and it can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous, depending on the drug type.

Those struggling with addiction often need support and assistance to begin the journey toward sobriety.

Myth #2: Addiction Is a Moral Failure

This myth is tricky because there is some level of truth to it. Yes. Using a substance is a choice, especially at the beginning. Unless someone was drugged without their knowledge, they willingly choose to use a substance initially. This does not mean that they chose addiction and all that comes with it, however.

Some people are able to use a substance multiple times without becoming addicted. Others may have used a substance only once when signs of addiction were established. Someone’s potential for addiction is affected by several factors, including:

• Genetics.
• Environmental factors.
• Developmental factors, such as family upbringing and past trauma.
• Psychological and personality factors, such as distress tolerance, impulsive, emotion regulation, and executive functioning.

Addiction is marked by observable and predictable changes in the brain. This is the basis for the theory that addiction is a disease. While substance use is a choice in the beginning, addiction is not. Brain changes caused by repeated substance use make it extremely difficult to quit using. Addicted individuals often make numerous failed attempts to stop and, in fact, recovery from addiction is often associated with more than one relapse.

Myth #3: All People that Use Drugs Are Addicted

In reality, there is much more to addiction than simply using a drug. Addiction is observed through a number of signs like:

• Increased conflict and changing relationships.
• Decreased attendance and performance at work or school.
• Changes in sleep and energy levels.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Lack of money due to spending more on the substance.
• Legal problems associated with continued substance use.
• Numerous failed attempts to stop using.
• Tolerance (needing more or higher potency to achieve the desired effect).
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.

If someone is not exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is possible that they are not addicted to the substance.

Addiction develops at different rates depending on the unique characteristics of the person, their reasons for using, and their drug of abuse.While it’s easy to call any drug user an addict, the reality is that drug use does not necessarily equate to addiction.

Myth #4: Addicts Are Easy to Identify

Myths and stereotypes usually work in combination to spread misinformation. The typical stereotype of an addict often includes the following characteristics:

• Low socioeconomic background.
• Unemployed.
• Male.
• Minority.
• Involved with criminal activity.

Overall, many of these stereotypes are unfounded. Take the case of heroin use as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Rates of use among non-Hispanic whites nearly double that of all other groups combined.
• Rates of women using have been increasing at rates higher than men.
• People making between $20,000 and $49,999 are showing rates of use increasing faster than those making less than $20,000.

The truth is that people addicted to substances exist in every walk of life regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, employment, or economic status. Addiction is a condition that impacts everyone.

Myth #5: You Cannot Be Addicted to a Prescribed Medication

It’s common to assume that if your doctor prescribes you a medication, it is completely safe and nonaddictive. Unfortunately, this is not true. Many prescribed medications are highly potent and have the potential for abuse and addiction.

People can abuse and become addicted to a range of medications including:

• Opioids.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Sleep aids.
• Barbiturates.
• Stimulants like ADHD medication.

Prescription opioids like oxycodone,hydrocodone, and fentanyl are well known to cause addiction. In fact, prescription opined abuse has become a national epidemic in recent years.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), about 16 million people reported lifetime oxycodone abuse in 2012. The DEA goes on to state that nearly 26 million people admitted lifetime hydrocodone abuse in 2012.

Misusing these drugs (taking more than prescribed or taking it via alternate methods like injecting) leads to greater chances of addiction.

Myth #6: If You Can Go to Work, You Are Not Really Addicted

This myth is one likely perpetuated by the addicts rather than outside observers. Denial is a strong force for many addicts.

Going to work does not disqualify someone from being addicted to a substance. In fact, many addicts hold down jobs.

For many, work is one of the later aspects of functioning to suffer because of the value they put on their jobs for income and social standing. Those who are still able to maintain employment while addicted are often referred to as “high functioning addicts.” This high-functioning status typically degrades over time, however, as the addiction progresses.

Addiction does not look the same in every person, and addiction progresses faster in some than others. There is no hard and fast rule that determines whether someone is addicted.

Myth #7: Only “Hard” Drugs are Dangerous

Drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine have a reputation for being highly addictive, powerful, and dangerous. These “hard” drugs carry a well-deserved negative connotation because of their perceived risk, but these are not the only dangerous drugs.

Any substance that can lead to addiction and dependence can be dangerous. The effects of these substances can impair judgment, decrease coordination, and bring about unwanted physical and mental health issues. Even a substance that has a low risk of addiction can be very problematic depending on the individual and the reasons for use.

For example, alcohol is widely used recreationally and not considered a “hard” drug; however, its dangerous nature is easy to track. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

• About 88,000 people die each year in the U.S. from alcohol-related issues.
• More than 10,000 people die each year from driving accidents involving alcohol.
• Alcohol drinking can interfere with normal physical development for children and teens.

Alcohol is not the only example, though. According to NIDA, marijuana use is related to a number of mental health concerns including:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Psychosis.
• Suicidal thoughts.

People that use drugs earlier in life are at greater risk of these negative effects of use, even though they may not present until later into adulthood.

Myth #8: There is Nothing Friends or Family Can Do to Help

This myth maintains that friends and family members are powerless against the addiction. This myth is not only incorrect, but it is dangerous since it implies that loved ones and their actions do not factor into someone’s ability to get recover from addiction. Certainly, no one can force an addicted person to quit using, but luckily, there are many methods you can use to improve the situation. Conversely, there are certain actions that can worsen the situation.

Myth #9: Rehab Doesn’t Really Work

For so many people, residential rehabilitation is a highly effective form of treatment. Rehabs help by removing an addicted individual from her current environment in the attempt to focus on treatment for a period that usually lasts between 28 and 90 days. During treatment, people can receive mental health, physical health, and addiction support to assist in the present and plan for the future.

Rehab is not a lifelong cure for addiction, though. As mentioned, addiction is a long-term condition, and it is marked by periods of relapse and recovery. It is possible for people to continue drug use following treatment just as it is possible for people with diabetes to struggle to maintain their blood sugar.

The best treatments for substance abuse and addiction are long-lasting, specialized programs that are readily available and target the whole person rather than the addiction. Rehab is an essential part of this long-term care for many people. Often, a successful plan incorporates rehab,outpatient treatment, and ongoing aftercare for continued support.

Myth #10: A Relapse Equals Failure

A relapse does not equate to failure. It is not a failure of the previous treatment attempts, the supports in place for the person, or the person. In fact, viewing this as a failure may breed unwanted emotional responses like:

• Shame.
• Guilt.
• Hopelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Apathy.

These feelings hurt both the addicted person and those that love him and fuel continued substance use.

Relapse is a normal part of recovery and it can even be a helpful tool in indicating the need for a modification or reinvestment in treatment. It can be a sign that additional types of treatment should be explored and employed. Making necessary changes to the treatment plan increases the chances of maintaining future recovery efforts.

8 Good Reasons to Quit using Drugs

If you are looking for reasons to stop using drugs, chances are very good that you have noticed that your life is not as happy, enjoyable or successful as it was before. Maybe you've been convinced that you can use drugs and still keep things together. Sometimes it can be done for a while, depending on the person. But by the time one's drug use or alcohol use reaches the point of being addiction, one's life has already begun a downward side. 

Hopefully, you're reading this before you've gotten to that point. To give you some encouragement, here's eight excellent reasons to quit using drugs.

1. You'll be healthier. 

There's not a drug out  there without some harmful effects as all drugs are basically poisons. The exact effects vary by drug. Heroin or painkillers suppress the action of the lungs and this can lead to tuberculosis, pneumonia or abscesses. Marijuana causes changes to the brain similar to those that occur with schizophrenia, not to mention the damage to your lungs. Methamphetamine is extremely hard on the entire body, especially the nervous system and brain. The heavy use of many drugs or alcohol leads to extreme weight loss and malnutrition that can affect one's ability to resist illness.

2. You'll reduce your risk of death.

 Many drugs can cause death the first time you use them, and other can have a damaging effect long-term. Cocaine is very stressful on the heart  and arteries which can trigger an immediate cardiac arrest on heart attacks. Alcohol can kill by overdose or increase the risk of accident. Any opiate can cause fatal overdose. Synthetics like Ecstasy can cause you to overheat which can cause organ breakdown. Stop ;picking up the drugs and you have a better chance at a long life.

3. You will be more likely to keep a good job.

 One of the typical signs of the slide into addiction is loss jobs. It's very common for a person using drugs to blame others for this setback. But normally, it's because the person stopped performing as well on the job. There were probably more sick days taken. Project were taken to completion. Mistakes were made. Costumers were neglected and co-workers were alienated. The end result: No more jobs.

4. You can preserve your relationship.

 If one's spouse or family members are not drug user's, it is common for the relationship to be seriously damaged or to be ended when the other person won't tolerate the drug use anymore. If those around you are using drugs with you, then any children may be taken away. All your lives probably go on the same downward spiral together.

5. You'll have more money.

 If you have an addiction to heroin, it's usual to pay 150-200 per day on this habit. Painkiller addiction will cost more. Cocaine as well. Marijuana might still cost thousand per year and alcoholics might spend 300-500 a month. It depends on one's tastes and location. All this money could be going into your pocket to improve your life. If you were committing illegal acts to get the money, you will now safe from being arrested.

6. You will gradually regain  the ability to feel real, authentic emotion once again.

 Like joy over wonderful things happening, sadness when it is appropriate. Drugs and alcohol mask one's real emotional responses to life's events. Opiates and marijuana may make one feel mellow even if one's life is crashing down around one's ears. Meth and other stimulants will provide a completely delusional set of emotional reactions. Long term use of drugs can result in apathy and depression, especially once you come down from them.

7. People will like you better. This is almost a sure thing. 

So many people become mean or aggressive when they are drunk and heavy marijuana use can trigger panic attacks or personally changes that could make you a burden on your friends. If you overdose in front of someone, they will have to tote you off to a hospital and this is not a good way to make or keep friends. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine often make people aggressive and paranoid-terrible qualities for a friend or relative

8. Perhaps the most important reason to quit using drugs is that it is a dead end activity. 

The end result of addiction is either death, jail or sobriety. Yes it's though to face the prospect of quitting drugs. The outcome of not making this choice is far, far worse. The answer for many people is to find a rehab program that offers a program with good result  statistics and that alights with one's own philosophy. Many programs prescribe drugs for those in recovery, either during withdrawal or throughout the program and after returning home. Some people are fine with this but many others would rather come off drugs completely. 

Worst-Case Scenarios or Consequences of Drug Addiction

Addiction is a form of disease, and it can pose a series of negative consequences on a person's well-being, physical health and professional life. There are many forms of addiction, and each one poses its own series of risks. While drug and alcohol use often begins and voluntary behaviors, addiction prompts chemical alterations in the brain that affect memory, behavior and the perception of pleasure and pain. Conscious decisions turn into compulsive actions, and major health, financial and social consequences often follow.

• Health Consequences
• Physical Consequences
• Social Consequences
• Consequences for Adolescents

Health Effects of Substance Abuse

Compulsive cravings combined with prolonged substance abuse can prompt physical consequences throughout the body. Most substances will cause strain on the organs, as well as the venous and respiratory system after prolonged use. Many forms of addiction alter the users physical make-up, sometimes even just after few weeks of use.





Physical Effects of Substances Abuse include:

• Organ Damage
• Hormone imbalance
• Cancer ( caused by nicotine or steroid use )
• Prenatal and fertility issues 
• Gastrointestinal disease
• HIV/AIDS

In addition, the above medical concern, chronic use of certain substances can lead to long-term neurological impairment, such as exacerbating or giving rise to mental health problems.

Neurological and Emotional Effects of Substance Abuse include the following Mental conditions:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory Loss
• Aggression
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

Legal Consequences Of Addiction

Many addictive substances are highly regulated and in certain situations, even banned by local and federal governments. This is done in an attempt to reduce the damage imposed by chronic substance abuse and to protect the well-being of Filipinos. Being caught with a large quantity of drugs could result in a prison sentence as long as 40 years. Civil lawsuits may come with it as well, depending on if the person had been distributing the substance.

Some of the Most Common Legal Consequences of Addiction are:

• Large Fines
• Extensive jail sentences
• Probation
• Arrests records that make it difficult to find a job
• Driver's license suspension and transportation difficulty
• Strict community service requirements
• Restrictions on living in certain communities

Social Effects of Addiction


Addiction is hard to hide. As chronic substance abuse continue, it will affect almost every aspects of the users life's. Their ability to concentrate may be diminished, their mood may fluctuate, and their interests will likely chance as drug cravings become compulsive.

In the other cases, the addicts social circle may shrink to the point where he or she continues to abuse substances on an individual basis, with very little human contact in between. The worst case scenario in this situation is the lonely person is at risk for suicide, and he or she may try to overdose on purpose.

• job loss
• relationship changes between both friends and family members
• aggression towards friends and family members
• divorce
• suspension or expulsion from organized activities such as sports team

Consequences of Adolescent Substance Abuse

Since teenagers minds aren't fully developed, addiction unusually hits them harder than it does most adults. Substance abuse almost always effect a teen's grades in school and attendance. These teens may be dismissed from sports teams, club or on campus groups or they may just voluntarily stop participating in those activities. 

Teens who abuse substances are at a disproportionate risk of sustaining a major injury , getting in a car accident and contracting  HIV/AIDS or other STD's . Additionally they are more likely to overdose than the adults because they commonly don't know their limits.
Besides overdosing, teens who abuse substances are also at an increased risk of death through:

•  suicide
• homicide
• accident
• grave illness

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( SAMHSA ) most people use drugs for the first time in their adolescent years and drug use ( by percentage ) is highest among in their late teens or 20s.