There are so many misconceptions about addiction and how it begins. This allows addiction to continue to thrive and to take hold of many different people, as they may not understand how it begins and how easy it is to become addicted to substances. To help those who have tried substances in the past or who may be willing to try substances, it’s important to understand where addiction begins and how it can take hold over time.
It Starts as Something to Try
Addiction starts as something to try while out with friends enjoying the evening. Many of those who go to addiction treatment centers to get help will say they started out trying a substance because it was offered to them, not because they sought it out as a way to solve their problems or control their emotions. Many are offered something to try at a party, and they want to have fun like their friends, so they give it a try.
It Won’t Lead to Addiction, Will It?
Trying a substance once doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction, but it can. Of course, an addiction isn’t there after trying something one time. But many people enjoy how the substance makes them feel, so they’re willing to try it a second time. Maybe a third. They’re sure they won’t get addicted if they can control their use and only enjoy substances at parties or with friends, so they aren’t worried about doing it more than once. That’s what begins the slippery slope to addiction.
Turning to Substances More Frequently
As time goes on, they might start turning to the substances more frequently. They’ll find excuses to try it or go out more often so they can do the substance, relax, and have fun. It begins to become a thing they do regularly, sometimes multiple times a week, since they feel they have it under control and can quit at any time if they want to – but they don’t want to yet because they don’t think it’s a problem. It only gets worse from here.
The Slow Path to Addiction
At some point, there’s a transition from substance use to substance use disorder. They find that they crave the substance and think about it when they’re at home, at work, or out running errands. They want to take it more often or might start to feel like they need it to feel normal again. At this point, they’re slipping into addiction and likely don’t even realize it. They’ll start taking the substance more frequently, giving themselves excuses for why it’s ok.
Feeling Unable to Quit
At some point, they may see the impact it’s having on their life, but they might feel they’re unable to quit on their own. If they try, they might go through withdrawal, which can be dangerous and must be managed properly for them to avoid being sick or worse. By this point is likely obvious that they’re suffering from addiction and need help to stop taking the substance, but it can be hard to reach out for help.
Addiction is not something that happens overnight or the first time someone tries a substance. It actually begins as something that may seem fairly innocent, but it quickly snowballs out of control. If you or a loved on is suffering from addiction, take the time to reach out for help today. With the right help, you can start your recovery.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 