How does addiction start? Can it be prevented? There is no level of drug or alcohol use that can be considered safe. Rather, it is very common for people to start to use drugs and alcohol innocently, believing they will not develop an addiction. Soon after, they feel unable to stop. The stages of addiction progress differently based on the type of drug as well as your genetic makeup. At Fort Behavioral Health, we want you to know what to expect. For more information about treatment for any of the stages of addiction, contact the experts at Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807.
What Are the Stages of Addiction?
Many people will go through several stages of addiction and will need help from addiction therapy programs. That is, they will continue to see changes in themselves and their use over a span of time. The amount of time it takes to develop addiction differs widely from one person to the next and from one drug to the next. Commonly, they include:
First Use: Here, a person is just starting to use the drug. It is the first drink of alcohol or the first use of a drug. For many people, one usage of the substance will not create addiction. However, for others, it can start the progression.
Regular Use: In this stage, a person recognizes that they like using the drug. They may start to use it often, such as every weekend or after a long day. They are starting to show signs of addictive behavior here.
Risky Use: When a person enters this stage, they are using more of the drug. They are also engaging in more risky behavior while they do. This may include driving, going to work, or going to school, even when they are using. Here, relationships start to breakdown.
Dependence: Dependence is a true form of addiction. A person needs to keep using the drug because, at this point, their brain chemistry has changed and is now reliant on the drugs. Here, they crave the substance if they do not get it. Most people also develop tolerance, which means they need to use more to get the same results.
Substance Use Disorder: In the final stages of addiction, a person cannot stop using it. Using is a part of their daily life. They can’t seem to put anything else above their drug use.
What Happens Next?
If you’ve found yourself in the stages of addiction, it’s vital to get help from a drug and alcohol detox center as soon as possible. Getting treatment at a professional drug addiction treatment program, such as Fort Behavioral Health, is an excellent step towards treatment. We offer a comprehensive treatment program, meaning that we’ll be with you each step of the road. Our team at Fort Behavioral Health can offer guidance and support at every stage. We offer:
- Medically monitored programs
- Formal drug detox programs
- Evidence-based treatment programs
- Inpatient drug treatment
- Outpatient drug treatment
When you find yourself facing addiction at any level, recognize your need for help. Our dedicated team of professionals wants to help you overcome this addiction. To do that, you need to take the first step in recognizing that you have a problem and that you need help to stop it.
Fort Behavioral Health Can Help
The stages of addiction can range widely from one person to the next. No matter which stage you are in right now, our team at Fort Behavioral Health can help you. Our treatment programs include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment program
- Heroin addiction treatment program
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment program
- Meth addiction treatment
Reach out to our experienced, master’s degreed clinicians to get the support you need. Call Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807 for immediate help.
