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4 Stages of Addiction

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THE 4 STAGES OF ADDICTION:

One of the messages we find most difficult to convey to family members is the fact that there are at least four stages of addiction, it is not something we just suddenly wake up with one morning. Neither are the four stages of addiction are not just restricted to ‘those poor unfortunate people’ who sleep on park benches.

Addictions can and do creep into the most loving and stable family homes right across the social spectrum.

It is our belief that in much the same way as there are four stages of addiction, it is just the same for recovery but in reverse, and through our approach, lengthy and fruitful recoveries are frequently captured.

In Cherrywood House's therapeutic climate, recovery becomes a reality and then it begins to develop through the amendment of personal, social, and psychological norms

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The following information has been adopted by Cherrywood House from The Breining Institute.

STAGE 1: PRE-ADDICTION PHASE

(Chemical Users – Needs Vigilance)

  1. Chemical use is socially motivated
  2. Psychological relief from the chemical use and the corresponding atmosphere
  3. Starts to use chemicals as a relief of stress
  4. Increase of tolerance to the chemical
  5. Substance use starts to increase gradually

STAGE 2: PRODROMAL PHASE

(Chemical Abusers – Needs intervention, may need treatment)

  1. Starts to experience chemically-induced memory loss and/or black-outs
  2. Starts to take substances secretly
  3. Gulping or hurriedly consuming the chemicals
  4. Feelings of guilt and shame over behaviours whilst intoxicated
  5. Phase can last from anywhere between six months and four to five years

STAGE 3: CRUCIAL PHASE

(Chemically Dependent – Needs short to medium term treatment)

  1. Loss of control over amount consumed immediately following the first drink/drug
  2. Explanations and rationalisations are offered and repeated for the use of the chemicals
  3. Relational problems begin – at home, in friendships, in the workplace
  4. Loss of interest in social and/or recreational activities
  5. Hospitalizations begin

STAGE 4: CHRONIC PHASE

(Chemically Dependent – Needs medium to long term treatment)

  1. Drinking and/or drugging at the start of the day
  2. Decrease in tolerance to the substance; overdoses begin
  3. Tremors and/or hallucinations
  4. Physical deterioration
  5. Hospitals, treatment centres, prisons and death.
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