Substance Use Disorder (SUD) does not manifest itself in crises very often. Addiction is gradual for most people; it develops in most cases through a series of stages that start with experimentation, and without any action, it could lead to a chronic and life-threatening situation. These stages should be understood in order to identify the early warning signs, assist loved ones, and know when to call professional help.
We have divided the stages of Substance Use Disorder, the symptoms of each phase, and risk factors, and the role of DeLand Treatment Solutions to work with individuals in each phase of the recovery process in this detailed guide.
What is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
Substance Use Disorder is a long-term and progressive health disorder where an individual is addicted to using alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs despite the adverse effects of consumption. It influences the brain activity of an individual, affecting choices, behavior, and physical health.
SUD is also mild and severe in terms of the number of symptoms that one experiences. The stages could be detected at the initial stage so that the dire health, financial, and emotional consequences could be prevented.
Why Understanding the Stages Matters
The necessity to find a way of substance use is because there are several reasons:
- At an initial stage, the degree of recovery is augmented.
- The right policies in prevention can also be achieved sooner.
- The families are going to be in a position to act.
- The citizens will stand a chance and get assistance before the destruction occurs.
The awareness of the stages gives individuals the knowledge that would enable them to prevent the cycle before it becomes a habit.
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Stage 1: Initiation (Experimentation)
The initial phase of SUD usually starts with interest or exposure to substances at a social level.
Typical Motivation in the course of experimentation.
- Peer pressure
- Curiosity
- Stress or desire to escape
- Parties, gatherings (societal settings)
- The impact of friends or family members.
- Trying to cope independently to overcome anxiety, depression, illness, or pain.
The usage frequency at this level is sparse and the individual will be in full control. However, it is not hard to surmount the transition to a more frequent use in the long run, especially where the substances are offering some emotional gratification or pleasure.
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Stage 2: Regular or Social Use
At this stage, substance use is freer. It does not necessarily weigh down on the daily tasks but tendencies begin to emerge.
Signs of Regular Use
- During weekends or after work.
- Consumption of alcohol or substances on certain occasions or habit.
- Feeling the desire of social situations in which it is necessary to use substances.
- Started taking substances to cope.
Individuals always tell themselves that they can quit. However, this phase is when there is a beginning of tolerance, and tolerance may result in more use or heavier use.
Stage 3: Risky Use (Problematic Use)
The point of difference between casual use and dependence is risky use.
A characteristic of Risky Use:
- Operation under hazardous circumstances (driving, employment, etc.)
- Failure to attend to duty or perform poorly as a result of usage.
- Using alone
- Secrecy of substances to others.
- More fighting with people he cares about.
- Reduced enjoyment of or avoiding hobbies or activities.
This is the phase that substance use takes hold and the user starts to experience some noticeable effects, but the individual might not admit that there is an issue.
Stage 4: Dependence (Physical & Psychological)
Dependence is characterized by tolerance to the frequent exposure to substances, both of the body and the brain.
Types of Dependence
- Physical Dependence
- Increased tolerance
- To experience the same, they require more of the substance.
- Attempts to quit give the impression of withdrawal symptoms.
- Psychological Dependence
- Experiencing inability to operate without the drug.
- Emotional dependency (feeling normal)
The reliance is one of the most serious indicators that the individual is getting into deep SUD phases.
Stage 5: Substance Addiction (Severe Substance Use Disorder)
The last and worst stage of SUD is addiction. It has uncontrollability, strong desire, and compulsive consumption despite significant impacts in life.
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Common Signs of Addiction
Past unsuccessful attempts at quitting.
Practicing preoccupation, where one is busy with taking drugs or is busy with liquids and uses most of the day.
- The use of it despite its financial, emotional, or medical harm.
- Relationship breakdowns
- Friend and family isolation.
- Unemployment or illiteracy.
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
Addiction is a condition, not a vice; it is chronic to treat and needs to be taken care of over time.
What are the DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Criteria?
There are 11 markers of the substance use disorder criteria. Meeting 23 = Mild, 45 = Moderate, 6+ = Severe.
Key DSM-5 criteria include:
- Using more than intended
- Desire to reduce but can not.
- It spends much of its time obtaining or replenishment of substances.
- Cravings
- Incompetence at work, school, and home.
Problems are not stopped by continually using:
- Giving up activities
- Adoption in hazardous conditions.
- Use-induced physical or psychological problems.
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
What are Some Substance Use Disorder Examples?
Individuals tend to look for an earthly analogy, such as:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Benzodiazepine dependence
- Cocaine use disorder
- Methamphetamine addiction
- Marijuana use disorder
- Prescription drug misuse
How is Substance Use Disorder Diagnosed?
Common diagnoses would include:
- Clinical evaluation
- Medical history
- DSM-5 criteria checklist
- Screening of urine or blood (when required)
- Similar mental health examination
- Proper diagnosis can result in the appropriate amount of treatment.
What is the Best Substance Use Disorder Treatment?
The treatment is based on the severity, history, type of substance, and other co-occurring mental illnesses.
These are evidence-based treatment options that need to be included:
- Medical Detox
- Manages withdrawal behavior in a very safe way.
- Inpatient Rehab
- Organization, oversight, treatment and stabilization.
- Outpatient Programs (IOP, PHP)
- Home-based flexible care.
- SMAT (the use of medication-assisted treatment)
- In case of opioids, alcohol, and other dependencies.
Behavioral Therapies:
- Thought-action Fusion Therapy
- CBT
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) is the one that was created to assist an individual with a behavior change dilemma or reduction of relapse. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is one of the strategies that have been developed keeping in consideration the need to help a person who has a conflict of behavior change or reduce lapse.
- DBT
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Relapse Prevention/Family Therapy.
What Happens If Substance Use Disorder Is Left Untreated?
Common risks include:
- Overdose
- Heart, liver, and brain damage
- Legal issues
- Job loss
- Isolation and depression
- Worsening mental health
- Loss of relationships
- Significantly high risk of fatal outcome.
Intervention at the right time has a significant impact on recovery success.
How DeLand Treatment Solutions Helps at Every Stage
DeLand Treatment Solutions offers evidence-based treatment provided in a compassionate manner, which will meet victims at the level of their recovery.
We provide individualized therapy, which helps them deal with the causes of the addiction and not the symptoms.
In the situation when you are in distress or the person you love is, consulting a professional is the best and most secure way to reach recovery. We offer medical detox, evidence-based treatment, a customized care strategy, and the guidance required towards lifetime recovery.
Get Help Today
Your recovery is starting immediately. You are either at the beginning of misuse or have gone through severe symptoms, but there is some human expatriated professional assistance at hand.
Call (386) 866-8689 now; it will be confidential and will be there when you need it the most.
FAQs About Substance Use Disorder
How long does it take to develop substance use disorder?
SUD can develop in weeks or months depending on genetics, trauma, stress, environment, and substance type.
Can someone recover from substance use disorder?
Yes. With proper treatment, support, and relapse prevention, long-term recovery is achievable.
Is substance use disorder the same as addiction?
Yes. Addiction is the severe form of substance use disorder.
When should someone seek treatment?
Seek help at any stage—especially when use affects daily life, safety, or mental health.
