Drug use starts with experimentation and can eventually develop into an addiction through a series of phases. As one moves through the stages, it becomes harder and harder to quit, so it is important to catch drug abuse early.
Experimentation
Every drug addict begins his or her drug habit by simply trying a drug. Experimenting with one drug may lead to trying others, and eventually, the user generally finds one or two drugs that they prefer over the rest. At this stage, there is no dependency upon the drug, and it is purely recreational or social.
Regular Use
Regular use is when the individual begins to use the drug on a recurring basis. Physical and psychological dependency begins to develop. Although not yet at the stage of dependency nor addiction, regular users are very susceptible to continue their drug habit.
Dependency
The third stage of drug use is drug dependency. When an individual becomes dependent upon a drug, it is hard for them to function normally without it. The physical change in brain chemistry, as well as the psychological dependence upon the drug affect this. Dependency upon a drug develops into an addiction, where solely attaining and using it motivate the user. Addicts never intend to develop an addiction and have a very hard time stopping. Some form of treatment is recommended to help an addict stop.
Why Drug Abuse can Develop into an Addiction
Several factors play a role in how drugs can become addictive. First, physical dependency upon some drugs develops because of a change in brain chemistry. As the human body becomes accustomed to having the drug present, it does not know how to function correctly without it. As a person generally uses because they enjoy the effects of the drug, it becomes psychologically addicting. Without the drug, one may feel mentally and emotionally inferior, and feel as if they must take the drug in order to achieve the euphoria, relaxation, or stimulation. Another leading factor of addiction that has been called into play, but not been proven, is genetics. Perhaps certain individuals are predisposed to addictions, particularly chemical addictions.
