Stages of Addiction

Jellinek (1937) “progressive” nature  1.Pre-addiction phase = no longer a “social activity” 2. Addiction = no longer has control 3. Chronic alcoholism = physical dependence

The Addiction Process  W.H.O. (1957) Four main stages: 1.CONTACT = first experience pleasurable 2.EXPERIMENTAL = excessive use occurs in social context 3.EXCESSIVE USE = damage or risk of damage 4.ADDICTION = dependence occurs, functioning severely impaired

ARF  4 stages 1.Learning = new found feeling of goodness 2.Seek and find = mental obsession occurs 3.Substance abuse = compulsion, loss 4.The final stage = rock bottom  choice to quit or keep using determines if addict will survive their addiction

Nakken’s Stage of Addiction “addictive personality” acts much like Freud’s id “Natural cycles of life” = lapsing and uncontrollable moments of peace, happiness, fulfillment Addiction is an attempt to control natural cycles Emotional logic: “I want what I want and I want it now”

Stage 1: Internal Change First contact is intense, unlike anything else Illusion of control/comfort/confidence Do not know how to have healthy relationships Emotional isolation leads addict to turn to object/event rather than friends/family Most important aspect if creation of Addictive Personality (id over ego)  personality split b/w Self and Addict

Stage 1 cont’d Early experiences with family has taught them: –Distance themselves from others –Treat others like “objects” –Closeness is not a reality/option –Nurturance through avoidance crystallizes the ‘addictive logic’  a toxic system of beliefs

Self-statements of Addict: “I don’t really need people” “I don’t have to face anything I don’t want to” “I’m afraid to face life and my problems” “Objects/events are more important than people” “I can do anything I want, no matter whom it hurts”

Addiction starts to create pain = need to continue Uneasiness and shame re: loss of self- control/esteem/love etc. heightens A negative downward spiral: –Emotional craving  mental preoccupations  acting out  pain  acting out  more pain

Addictive logic further enhanced: –Develops rationalizations  i.e. I’m not hurting anyone –Manipulative tactics  i.e. minimizing concerns Addiction as a process of denial Acting out creates fun, excitement, new ideas, and stimulation

Stage 2: Lifestyle Change Fun of acting out starts to vanish Takes on a maintenance quality  dependency develops Behavioural commitment is all- encompassing Arrange life around addiction: –Starts to lie excessively –Blames others –Protects behaviour any way possible

Addictive rituals develop  prescribed and predictable behaviour Surround self with other addicts Mistrust of others grow “addict” becomes a role within the family Addiction takes more of person’s focus and energy  further erodes ability to be “normal” “spiritual deadening”

Stage 3: Life Breakdown No longer produces pleasure, but too painful to quit Pain, fear, shame, anger, etc. are hallmarks of life Security in routine  resist the unfamiliar Lifestyle based entirely on addictive ritual Cannot break cycle without intervention Addictive logic becomes simple: get high and exist

may cry uncontrollably or have fits of rage for no apparent reason Paranoia/free-floating anxiety Loses ability to manipulate Others recognize addict’s style and react less; get fed up; withdraw Fear of ending up alone is overwhelming  clingy, desperate

May begin to show signs of physical breakdown Abandon self-care May start to consider/attempt suicide Cannot break out of this stage alone Must learn new lifestyle  reach outward, regain self-respect