For the vast majority of people fighting or struggling with addiction, a common factor that stands out is the onset of the addiction. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, an estimated 21 million Americans aged above 12 have had to seek substance abuse treatment. As a fact, substance abuse is regarded as the most common mental illness in the United States. With the number of addicts seeking help expected to rise, various recovery programs have been designed to offer assistance. One such program is the one offered by New Horizon Counseling Center.
Addiction does not start overnight. On the contrary, it is a gradual and long process of repeated substance abuse that changes how an individual sees or uses a drug. Even though the problem is linear, the duration of each step may differ from one person to the other. As such, it becomes possible to break down addiction into steps. With this in mind, the following are the most common steps on how addiction starts from a casual to a serious problem.
Initiation
The first step is the initiation step, where an individual tries a substance for the first time. In most cases, this is usually during the teenage years when most addicts get into substance abuse due to peer pressure.
Experimentation
In this stage, the user has slightly moved from trying the drugs to constantly taking them in different contexts. In most cases, this stage is usually characterized by substance abuse during social events.
Regular Use
As an individual continues to experiment, experimentation becomes a regular habit. Even though the intake may not be regular, such individuals develop a pattern. For instance, they may take the drug on weekends whether or not there is an occasion.
Risky Use
As the dependency on the drug increases, people may begin to use the drugs while driving, and their relationships with other people may start to deteriorate. Additionally, due to the addiction, people may go to the extent of stealing or borrowing money to buy their favorite drugs.
Dependence
In this stage, the individual has developed a dangerous dependence on the drug and may require high amounts to feel good again. Apart from this, the abuser may find it challenging to go a day without using their favorite drug. The dependency is severe to the extent of suffering from withdrawal symptoms if they miss their regular dosage.
Crisis/Treatment Stage
This is the final stage of addiction, where the abuser may either overdose on their preferred substances or may opt to seek treatment. The direction taken by the abuser is determined by the presence or absence of a supportive team.
How New Horizon Counseling Center Can Help You
New Horizon Counseling Center is a leading not-for-profit behavioral health organization that is fully registered and licensed by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. With over 30 years of experience in offering substance abuse guidance, New Horizon center is the ultimate stop for anyone suffering or trying to fight addiction.
