According to statistics, one in ten people suffering from addiction has a damaged dopamine receptor, making quitting harder. When triggers surround addicts, it’s natural for them to revert to their former habits. The question is, is it possible to overcome addiction? Yes, there is hope for recovery. Every day, people recover from addiction. Addiction has long been associated with weakness; it is now recognized as a severe medical problem that experts should treat or control. Three phases of drug usage have been found for addicts to progress: pre-addict, addict, and post-addict. Numerous programs and therapies have been developed to assist individuals in transitioning from stage to stage; take a look at the therapies and visit this website for addiction treatment in Richmond, Virginia. However, it can take time for addicts to make lasting changes.

Below we discuss each of the addiction stages and point out critical factors for recovery.

Regrettably, the brain is not so bright. Addiction is a strong force; it is a brain disorder that is not the result of moral failure or a lack of willpower. The inability to regulate stress is at the heart of addiction. Stress can be defined as any environmental change that forces your brain to work overtime to adjust. Stress can also be caused by physiological changes, such as insufficient sleep, excessive stimulation, or social isolation. When you’re anxious, you crave respite or a reprieve from the source of your stress. The good news is that there are treatments available to assist those battling addiction, just like with many other disorders.

Stages of Addiction

Stage 1: Binge/Intoxication

The “binge stage” is when an addict gives in to their addiction and experiences the drug’s effects on their body. While this period is frequently enjoyable, it can occasionally have unpleasant implications. Regardless of the repercussions, the addict will often continue to abuse the substance or engage in the behavior at this stage because they enjoy the way it makes them feel. While the repercussions may be as harsh as an arrest or overdose, most addicts will continue to abuse drugs or alcohol regardless.

Stage 2: Withdrawal/Negative Affect

Addicts will experience unpleasant emotions during the withdrawal period, such as despair, anxiety, and anger. This stage may begin during intoxication or after the high has worn off, but these emotions may eventually result in cravings for additional drugs or alcohol.

Stage 3: Preoccupation/Anticipation

Preoccupation and expectation are the final stages. This stage is characterized by a tremendous desire to continue using drugs and alcohol. You will lose control over your substance use throughout this period. You will be unable to abstain from using regardless of the negative repercussions, which may include health problems, relationship troubles, or employment challenges.

Recovery

There are numerous stages of healing, and each one poses unique difficulties.

  1. Pre-contemplation: occurs when an individual continues to use drugs or alcohol but is not contemplating quitting. They may recognize that their substance use is causing issues in their lives, but they believe the problems are not severe enough to justify quitting.
  2. The contemplation stage is where they have determined that they need to quit but are not yet prepared to make the shift. It is frequently a time of ambiguity and worry.
  3. The preparation stage is where addicts begin making arrangements for quitting during the preparation stage, possibly by choosing a quit date or researching treatment options. 
  4. When individuals enter the action stage, they have ceased substance use and are actively involved in recovery efforts.
  5. Maintenance is where individuals sustain their improvements in their lives by continuing to practice new behaviors and habits.

These stages of healing do not necessarily occur in chronological order. Specific individuals will repeatedly cycle through them. For instance, an individual may go from contemplation to action and back again due to a lapse in sobriety or rising stressors in their life.

Throughout the decades, specialists felt that the only way to overcome addiction was to enroll in a treatment program. While therapy programs can be beneficial, not everyone benefits from or requires this intervention. For instance, research indicates that in some cases of alcoholism, individuals can benefit from avoiding bars and diversifying their social networks. Even if you have unsuccessfully attempted treatment in the past or believe that therapy is not for you, these tactics may help you permanently overcome your addiction.