The Process Of Addiction

Suggested Time
40 minutes

Objectives

• Students will become aware of the process of addictions.
• Students will become aware that developing an addiction is a process that happens over time.
• Students will identify resources in the community.

The Process Of Addictions

The progression of an addiction reflects a continuum, ranging from no use to dependency. People may move back and forth within this continuum, but generally they advance from no use, to use, misuse, abuse, and finally to dependency. Once a person is dependent, they may have to stay abstinent from all substances, or gambling, to get their health back.

No use
In this stage there is no use of alcohol, other drugs, or gambling. People have their own reasons not to be involved, including religious beliefs, their age, etc.

Use
People begin to experiment with alcohol, other drugs, or gambling to see what it is like, or to fit in with friends and peers. They may use a substance or gamble to enhance an already pleasurable experience. Some people argue that social use is not merely using in social situations. Rather, it is using in a responsible way. There are few if any negative consequences to social use. Social use dose not include youth under age 18 who drink alcohol, or anyone who uses illegal drugs. Using under those circumstances can result in negative legal or parental consequences.

Misuse
A person begins to experience problems associated with their use of alcohol, other drugs, or gambling. They may get hangovers, get in trouble at home or school because they were drunk or high, spend more money than they intended to on gambling, or do something they regret while under the influence of alcohol or another drug. All these problems, although they may seem small at the time, can escalate into a much larger problem.

Abuse
Problems become much more regular. The person uses or gambles more frequently and it begins to interfere with major areas of their life such as family, parents, school, legal issues, money, friends, and leisure. The person may become obsessive about when and where they are going to get drugs or money to gamble.

Dependency
The person at this stage has lost the ability to choose to use or not to use. Using substances or gambling has become a way of life. They continue despite the negative consequences and those consequences are occurring more and more frequently. The person may experience physical or psychological withdrawal, cravings, and decreased physical, mental, and emotional health.

Note: When using the student levels of use handout, it is a good idea to let the students do this in confidence. The tool is a means of increasing awareness of a potential problem. If you are concerned about a student’s use of drugs, alcohol, or gambling, refer them to a counsellor who can help them look at their use.