Just like there are stages of addiction, there are various treatment programs to match the different stages of recovery. The 12 step addiction recovery program in Tacoma WA is one of those programs offered at Bayview Recovery. 12-Step is introduced after the client completes detox and is in recovery for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

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What is Addiction?

In 2017, approximately 19.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) related to alcohol or illicit drugs within the past year. This is according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Addiction or substance use disorder is a chronic and complex disease. It is identified as the compulsive seeking and use of drugs or alcohol. Among the most commonly abused drugs are:

Cocaine, heroin, and meth (illegal drugs)
Oxycodone and hydrocodone (prescription opioids)
Adderal and Ritalin (stimulants)
Benzodiazepines and barbiturates (depressants)

Different Stages of Addiction

A mere experiment with drugs or alcohol can be the beginning of dependency and addiction. These substances cause changes in the brain that make quitting hard to do on your own in spite of the harmful effects. This happens especially in the case of long-term use, which causes the body and brain to become dependent on the substance.

Understanding the stages of addiction can help you see why professional treatment is often necessary to help a person overcome addiction. The four broad stages are experimentation, regular use, risky use or abuse, and dependence.

Stage 1: Experimentation

The first use of a drug or alcohol is generally an experiment to see how the substance makes you feel. Experimentation could also involve the misuse of medication prescribed to you or someone else. The first use is typically motivated by peer pressure, a desire to “escape,” or the need for “something” to help you cope with pain or life challenges.

Stage 2: Regular Use

The euphoria experienced from first use may lead to frequent use. Dependence may not develop at this point, making it possible for you to quit on your own. But the risk of substance abuse, addiction, and risky behaviors continues to increase. Symptoms of anxiety or depression may also arise at times when you are unable to get the addictive substance.

Stage 3: Risky Use or Abuse

Next, stage 3 often shows drug use in spite of the harmful effects or legal consequences. At this point, substance use is more than looking for a temporary way to escape life problems. Warning signs of substance use disorder are also more apparent to family and friends, although you may deny the addiction. Psychological symptoms present at this stage include being preoccupied with getting the substance, cravings, restlessness, fatigue, depression, and hostility when you miss a dose.

Stage 4: Dependence

Additionally, it is far more difficult to quit at this point because the brain and body need alcohol or the drug. By now, the addiction will cause withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used. Driving him or her to do almost anything to get it. They are unable to control use in spite of the adverse effects on their job, relationships, family, and finances.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” disease that is sometimes fueled by a co-occurring disorder. A qualified rehab usually has programs designed to address all stages of addiction and help reduce the chance of returning to drugs or alcohol. They include these programs offered at Bayview Recovery for men and women battling with addiction:

The programs and services provide partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, or aftercare center. They are all highly-structured, drug-free environments where clients receive different levels of treatment for the various stages of addiction.

Bayview Recovery can help you conquer addiction

Addiction affects the whole family, so knowing the signs of the different stages of addiction can help with early intervention to prevent chronic addiction. Bayview Recovery offers comprehensive treatment programs to assist you or a family member in conquering substance abuse. Recover in a safe and compassionate environment with the support of our trained and certified professionals. Call 855.478.3650 for more information about admissions.