03/08/2026
THE ROAD TO ADDICTION.
The road to addiction is different for every person.
Some people take their time while others go from zero to 60 in a short period of time.
No matter how long your journey is, most experts agree that there are five main stages of l addiction:
experimentation, regular use, risky use/abuse, and drug addiction and dependency.
Not everyone in the first two stages will develop a drug addiction, but individuals in the third stage of drug abuse are very likely to progress into full-blown addicts. Here’s a closer look at the five main stages of drug addiction.
Experimentation is defined as the voluntary use of drugs without experiencing any negative social or legal consequences.
For many, experimenting may occur once or several times as a way to “have fun” or even to help the individual cope with a problem. For many, experimentation can occur without any desire to continue using the drug. For others, it can start to become a problem when it moves into the next stage of addiction.
Some people will be able to enter the stage of regular use without developing dependence or addiction. These people will be able to stop the drug use on their own.
The problem with regular use is that the risk for substance abuse greatly increases during this stage. It also increases risky behaviors such as driving under the influence, unexplained violence, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Many people stay in the stage of regular use for months or years. Some may not develop a problem but many others may not be able to stop by themselves.
This is ordinarily the period of time where the consequences of using drugs and/or alcohol regularly begin to show up. Some will completely stop at this point.
Others will stop for a period of time in order to get back into the good graces of loved ones or possibly the law; for example if someone gets a DWI and is put on probation they may quit drinking completely or agree with their family never to drink and drive again but as soon as they complete their probation they feel they are “off the hook” and can finally return to their old behaviors.
Characteristics of dependence include constant use of alcohol or other drugs that lead to the inability to take care of major responsibilities related to work, family, school and other roles. Repeatedly using drugs in situations that are physically hazardous, such as sharing needles or driving while under the influence, repeated legal problems, or any combination of these. Their risky behavior may also escalate to things such as prostitution and stealing from society because they can no longer take from their family.
Many dependent people could be categorized as functioning, and are able to work, maintain family relationships, and friendships. They will attempt to limit their use of alcohol or other drugs to certain times, such as evenings or weekends.
The last stage of persistent abuse of substances is addiction.
At this point they have been addicted for some time but this is the point where some type of change is inevitable because continued use will only lead to a few places.
Addiction is a disease involving serious psychological and physical changes from constant heavy use of alcohol, drugs, or both.
Symptoms include withdrawal and uncontrollable use and/or other craving, seeking, and use that continues even in the face of repeated negative consequences.
Untreated, addiction is a progressive, chronic, and often fatal disease.
If left untreated, it can only lead to jails, institutions, death, and dereliction, in no specific order.
