Drug or alcohol addiction is a disease that may sometimes take years to develop, depending on the specific substance and the user. Quite often, a user denies that he or she has a problem, even while that person suffers significant personal, financial, legal, and social problems. It often takes an extensive support network, available at addiction treatment facilities, to help a user successfully overcome addiction.
Experimental or Social Use
The first stage is typically experimental use of the drug. A person may give it a try because his or her friends are doing it. The use of a drug in a social context may include using club drugs while at a rave but refraining from doing them outside of that context. A person might also begin using a drug legitimately with a prescription from a doctor. For example, after undergoing surgery, an individual may take narcotic pain relievers. For most people, the use of a drug in this type of legitimate context does not translate to later addiction.
Substance Tolerance
However, some people find that they need to take more of the drug to gain the same effects. This is called developing a tolerance to the substance. For example, a cancer patient may find him or herself using more oxycodone than prescribed to attain the same level of pain relief. For some people, the use of a drug also fills an emotional void. They may start using more of the drug to feel good about themselves or as a coping mechanism for stress.
Drug Addiction
With continued use, an individual can become physically and psychologically addicted to the drug. Stopping usage causes intense physical cravings and other side effects. Drug addiction is characterized by interference with a person’s daily routine, such as work and family obligations. The user “needs” to have the drug, regardless of the effects on himself or herself as well as family members.
At Las Encinas Hospital, we believe that successful addiction treatment requires a lifelong commitment with family and community support. Our whole-person approach to addiction treatment gives recovering addicts the tools they need to make safe transitions. If you or a loved one could benefit from addiction treatment, call our Pasadena location at (888) 348-2165.