What Are the Steps of Involvement to Drug Abuse?

The steps leading to substance abuse do not happen overnight, nor to do they happen to every person who drinks alcohol, takes painkillers or experiments with illegal drugs. Succumbing to peer pressure, dealing with a divorce, death of a loved one or consistent physical pain are only a handful of the reasons individuals may eventually abuse drugs or alcohol. Treatment can be effective at any stage of substance abuse, and the earlier the problem is addressed, the better.

Experimentation

• An individual will voluntarily try prescription medications, illegal drugs or alcohol to numb the feelings of depression, physical pain, anger or to fit in with a peer group that may be using such substances. Family issues, chronic pain and illness, life-altering events, and friends are often the reasons why substance abuse may become an issue in a person's life. As the substance appears to temporarily offer a reprieve or escape from a problem, the individual will often find themselves using it more, moving to the next stage of consistent use and possible abuse.

Consistent Use and Abuse

• Consistent drug and alcohol abuse can lead to such issues as driving under the influence, failure to meet work, school or family obligations, binge drinking and legal problems. Regular use or abuse of drugs and alcohol may or may not lead to such behaviors; individuals can often maintain relationships and meet obligations while indulging in substances at controlled times, such as after work or on weekends. However, consistent use and abuse of drugs and alcohol may lead to dependency and addiction.

Addiction

• Alcohol or drug addiction is considered a medical condition with negative physical and psychological attributes that are indicative of heavy, prolonged use of the substance. Addicted individuals crave drugs or alcohol and seek any means necessary to obtain them. Without proper treatment in a residential facility, outpatient or 12-step program, addiction is a progressive illness that will worsen over time. Physical complications stemming from dependency and addiction can include heart problems, liver and kidney damage, and even death. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, recovery rates for alcohol and drug abuse treatment are comparable to other chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes.