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Explain the Four Stages of Chemical Dependency Groups

Chemical dependency describes both alcohol and chemical addiction. What begins as a social act can develop into a devastating habit for those susceptible to chemical dependency. In order to monitor the progress of the disease, experts break it down into four key stages.

  1. Experimental

    • The experimental stage encompasses a person's first introduction to drugs or alcohol, as he learns the effects that they can produce. He may try one or more drugs. Those with a chemical dependency will likely repeat the experience once they have tried it to reproduce the highs achieving by using drugs or alcohol. At this stage they are still able to control their use and quit. The danger comes in the user's false sense of security. Drugs or alcohol are not yet having a negative impact on his life, so the user believes he is in complete control and can continue to experiment safely, without getting addicted.

    Social

    • The user has already tried one or more drugs and now looks to use it as an extra tool to help her increase her enjoyment. She might use it when she goes out to sees friends or at parties. Regular use can create a greater tolerance and thus lead to increased use of drugs or alcohol to achieve the same effect. Substances are now used as a stress reliever and might be taken on a daily basis. Use of substances is planned and a user will look forward to after work or weekends when she can indulge.

    Abuse

    • By now the use of drugs or alcohol has negative consequences and impacts some or several areas of the user's life. Relationships are affected as he becomes more irrational and exhibits mood swings. Work is affected with poor performance, lateness or absenteeism. Users are likely to spend more than they can afford to support their habit, with negative financial consequences. The user will think he is still in control despite these changes and increase his use of drugs or alcohol. There is a noticeable difference in his attitude and possibly even his appearance.

    Dependency

    • The user is now addicted and has a complete disregard for the consequences and the effects that her chemical dependency might be having on her life. Drugs and/or alcohol are now the central focus around which her life revolves and the user believes she needs substances to function. There is an overpowering physical and mental need to feed her addiction which can lead to crime, overdose or suicide.

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