The percentage of people who experiment with drugs or alcohol who eventually become addicts is impossible to determine. One thing is certain, though: 100% of addicts started as experimenters.
The Partnership for A Drug-Free America has identified several stages of substance abuse that the addict will pass through on the way to addiction. As we’ve already discussed, the initial stage is:
1) Experimentation: This is a completely voluntary phase, although younger people may be encouraged to experiment as a result of peer pressure. Even adults experiment by, for example, drinking to cope with outside pressures. Beyond the urge to simply “try it,” there are usually underlying issues the experimenter is trying to treat or self-medicate. Just as adults may treat stress with alcohol, a teenager might try marijuana as an attempt to “treat” anger, fear or loneliness.
2) Regular Use: If the experimenter feels the substance he or she used was helpful in dealing with the underlying problem, this behavior may be adopted as a regular coping mechanism. At this stage, addiction isn’t present. If the issue or problem the user is attempting to treat goes away, many regular users will stop on their own.
3) Risky Use: Risky in this case can be defined as “using more or stronger substances, or using in situations that have some inherent element of risk on their own (such as drinking, then driving).” Other examples of risk include sexual activity while under the influence (which may lead to unprotected sex) or “binge” using (increasing the amount or frequency of drinking or drug use).
4) Dependence: By now, things that used to be fun (or simply manageable) without alcohol or drugs have changed. The alcoholic/addict may not be out of control yet, but they need the effect of some substance to “get through the day” or to feel as if they’re enjoying themselves.
5) Addiction: At this stage, the user has uncontrollable cravings for drugs or alcohol. They obsess over how they will find more, and they fantasize about how they will feel once they’re able to use again. Despite severe and negative consequences (arrest, losing a job, sickness, etc), they are unable to stop. This situation will become progressively worse, if left untreated.
The good news is, treatment works. Addiction is a disease—a medical condition that requires professional help in order to stop its progression. People who get treatment get better. With ongoing support and care, they can return to full and happy lives.
