Helpful Information > Stages of Alcohol or Other Drug Use
The terms chemical dependency, addiction, and alcoholism are interchangeable; as are the terms intoxication, a high, or a feeling of euphoria.
Experimental
This stage is limited to a one-time intoxication experience with a particular drug or alcohol. Typical "gateway" chemicals include alcohol, marijuana and inhalants. The experiment is "Do I like the feeling of intoxication or the high?" If the youth decides to use this drug or alcohol a second time, the experiment is over and the youth has progressed to the next stage.
Misuse / Social
The purpose of use at this stage is intoxication. Relatively infrequent use that involves a social gathering, such as school dances, prom night, parties, graduation, holiday celebrations, sporting events, etc., is characteristic. For this reason, this stage is sometimes referred to as the "social use" stage. Consequences of use are generally not dramatic, but may include hangovers, minor injuries, embarrassing behavior and decreased communication with parents. Parents are usually unaware of the use because life is still manageable.
Abuse
Determining characteristics of this stage are, use despite more frequent and more severe negative consequences, a pattern of frequent use, and preoccupation with the drug. Youth relates the "high" to escaping from their painful emotions. Life becomes difficult to manage. It is during this stage that parents typically begin to recognize their child's chemical use.
Addiction
Use is regular and compulsive. User will continue to use despite frequent and severe negative consequences. Due to increased tolerance for the drug, use progresses to increased amounts or stronger drugs. Addiction is not to the drug - it is to the intoxication, the high, the feeling of euphoria. The user is preoccupied with getting to the next high. Life is unmanageable; the user is powerless over drug use. Denial allows continued progression.
Death
Death can occur at any stage, even to one-time and first-time users. Alcohol or drug use can be fatal if addiction progresses without intervention and treatment, resulting from overdose, illness, accidents, violence or suicide.
All stages of drug use are serious and have potential for serious consequences. The severity of the stages depends on several conditions:
- Age of first use
- Frequency of use
- Quantity of the drug
- The drug being used
- Severity of unresolved emotional trauma
- Genetic predisposition to addiction