“Addiction is an adaptation. It’s not you, it’s the cage you live in”

Johann Hari

Based on years of Researchers in behavioral health that addiction is a brain health issues. However, in reality, what does that mean? It might be challenging for someone who isn’t familiar with neurobiology to understand how addiction affects the body and mind.

If you find yourself going for a second drink or taking a dosage of cocaine, it might be difficult to stop your behavior. There are 3 stages of alcoholism addiction cycle, which may be the reason for your feelings of control over your urges. 

The Three Stages of Addiction

Addiction is usually explained in terms of phases, each of which has specific actions and effects on the life of the addict. Being familiar with these phases may be helpful in the early detection of addiction and the ideal therapy which is best for them. The following phases of addiction are commonly stated:

1. Experimentation

One of the most difficult phases of addiction involves accepting that the first doses of drugs or alcohol frequently have few or no adverse impacts. Experimentation, which includes the voluntary use of illegal drugs with no negative social or legal implications, is frequently tolerated and often encouraged in adults. 

Features:

• First drug usage, usually triggered by curiosity or social factors.
• Use is typically occasional and might not yet result in reliance.
• Sometimes, users don’t consider their intake to be an issue since they think they can control it.

Values:

• It is essential to identify this stage in so you can avoid art of addiction. Educating people on the dangers of drug usage might help in preventing experimenting.
• At this point, intervention can stop the addiction from progressing to more severe phases.

2. Regular Use

For many individuals, the second stage is almost a dead end. Although some people maybe able to take drugs or alcohol on a regular basis without becoming addicted, during this phase there is a significant rise in the chance of dependency. The danger of engaging in high-risk activities, like drunk driving, also exists.

Features:

• When substance usage increases, it may begin to have an impact with regular daily tasks.
• As tolerance grows, more of the drug is needed to get the same effects.
• Drug usage can lead to a rise of social, personal, or professional problems.

Values

• At this point, it’s critical to treat rising dependency with addiction therapy and support.
• Resources that offer techniques to control and minimize consumption include expert help and research on addiction counseling.

3. Dependence and Addiction

When you reach the last stage, you have become addicted to the substance and are completely dependent on it. Whether you have a drug or alcohol addiction is no longer a relevant topic. Your body will alert you when you don’t get them by showing signs like trembling, sweating, shaking, and other erratic behavior. At this point, you are unable to change your behavior, even if someone informs you that it is necessary for your survival.

Features:

• Substance dependency can be physical or psychological. If use is cut back or discontinued, withdrawal symptoms might develop.
• The drug takes control of the person’s life, controlling their commitments, relationships, and health.

Values:

• At last addiction stages, intensive care and rehabilitation are required. Rehab progress depends on services that provide comprehensive addiction treatment, like those available at rehab facilities like House of Zen.
• Long-term abstinence is greatly supported by support networks, which include recovery methods like therapy, yoga, and awareness of addiction.

The Psychological and Emotional Phases

Addiction causes severe psychological and emotional alterations. Better awareness of these aspects can lead to a better understanding of the addictive experience:

• Psychological Phase: During this stage, obsessive behaviors and drug-related cognitive distortions start to emerge. Denial, reasoning, and an urge to move away from reality are possible further components.
• Emotional Phase: Anxiety, sadness, and mood swings are just a few of the emotional difficulties that addiction frequently causes. Recovery involves dealing with these emotional problems with counseling and support groups.

What are the 4 c’s of addiction?

Let discuss the 4 C’s of addiction for better understanding. 

1. Craving: A strong need or urge for the drug use.
2. Control: Loss of control through the quantity or frequency of drug usage.
3. Compulsion: Continual drug usage in addition to negative effects.
4. Continued Use: Using a drug continuously, ignoring its detrimental effects on one’s life.

Beat the Cycle of Addiction at House of Zen

With over a decade’s of experience, we at House of Zen have supported individuals just like you in escaping the three stages of the dependency cycle. We treat addiction with an “east to west” approach because we are aware of the neurology underlying substance misuse.

You will get therapies that have been shown to be effective for people who are overcoming drug use disorders. For the purpose of strengthening and healing your body, mind, and soul, you will also take part in experiential treatments.

Treatment Options

• Behavioral Therapy
• Support Groups
• Medication
• Yoga 
• Physical activity 

Conclusion

Being familiar with the addiction phases is important for effective treatment and intervention. Every stage, from experimental usage to addiction, has its own set of difficulties and chances for help. We aim to help people on their path to recovery and a better, substance-free life by identifying these stages and implementing holistic treatment plans into practice.

If you want to beat your dependency permanently and for all, go no farther than the House of Zen. To begin, get in contact with our admissions staff right now.