There are several stages leading to addiction.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a chronic disease in which a person is physically and/or mentally dependent on a habit or substance. For habits we can think of concepts such as gambling, sex and internet addiction and for substances: tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
Addiction
1. Experimental use
People are curious about the remedy (or habit) and try it out. Experimentation is temporary. One stops using it or one becomes a social user.
2. Social Use
The substance (or habit) is used for its positive effects: people find it tasty, relaxing and cozy.
3. Regular use
The substance (or habit) is used for a purpose: one starts using for a reason that sometimes has to do with the imbalance in our areas of life.
4. Overuse
One uses the substance (or habit) to suppress unpleasant feelings or problems. Control over use begins to diminish and there is less enjoyment.
5. Addiction
In this phase, almost everything revolves around the use of the substance (or habit). Addiction is often accompanied by physical, psychological and social problems. People no longer have control over their use.
Addiction is a progressive disease and will get worse if left untreated. It’s chronic; Even after completion of the treatment, the client must remain alert for signs of urgency. Relapse is a common phenomenon in addiction.