What are the classic stages of addiction?
“To truly be committed to a life of honesty, love and discipline, we must be willing to commit ourselves to reality.”
― John Bradshaw, Healing the Shame that Binds You
Addiction does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. And while it may look different for everyone, addiction typically follows a similar path. There are four classic stages of addiction: preoccupation/anticipation, binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and obsession/compulsion. This article will explore each of these stages in more detail and provide some examples of how they may manifest in someone’s life.
The Stages of Addiction
There are four contemporary stages of addiction:
1. Pre-contemplation: In this stage, the person does not yet see themselves as having a problem with drugs or alcohol. They may deny that there is a problem at all or be in denial about the extent of their problem. They may not be ready to change their behaviour.
2. Contemplation: In this stage, the person is starting to realise that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol. They may consider making a change but are still unsure if they are ready to do so. They may still be in denial about the severity of their problem.
3. Preparation: In this stage, the person has decided to change their behaviour and is taking steps to do so. They may be attending counselling sessions or therapy groups, reading self-help books, and making lifestyle changes such as eating better and exercising more.
4. Action: In this stage, the person actively works to recover from addiction. This may involve attending regular meetings, abstaining from drug use, participating in therapy or counselling sessions, and working on rebuilding their life.
The Impact of Addiction
While addiction can have a profound and lasting impact on all areas of an individual’s life, some of the most common and significant effects are seen in the following areas:
Physical health: Addiction can take a toll on an individual’s health in the short and long term. Short-term effects include exhaustion, poor nutrition, and increased risk of injury. Long-term effects can be even more severe, including organ damage, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to illness.
Mental health: Addiction can also significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Addiction can lead to or exacerbate mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, addiction can cause changes in brain chemistry that result in problems with mood, sleep, memory, and focus.
Relationships: Addiction often strains or destroys relationships with family members, friends, romantic partners, and others. The effects of addiction on relationships can be wide-ranging, from arguments and fights to complete estrangement. Obsession often leads to financial problems, which further strain relationships.
Employment: Addiction frequently interferes with an individual’s ability to keep a job or perform well at work. The reasons for this are varied – absenteeism due to using or recovering from use, issues with mood or focus, and conflicts with co-workers.
The Recovery Process from Addiction
There are four classic stages of addiction: denial, isolation, depression, and surrender. In the first stage, denial, the addict is in denial about their addiction and its effects on their life. They may try to hide their addiction from others or make excuses for their behaviour. In the second stage, isolation, the addict starts to isolate themselves from friends and family. They may withdraw from social activities and become more withdrawn and introspective. Depression sets in during the third stage as the addict realises the negative consequences of their addiction. They may feel hopeless and helpless. Finally, in the fourth stage, surrender, the addict gives up on fighting their addiction, accepts that it is a part of their life, and seeks recovery.
There are several classic stages of addiction, each with its symptoms and effects. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is crucial to seek help as soon as possible to avoid further damage. With the proper treatment, individuals can overcome addiction and go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
