At What Point Does Substance Use Turn Into An Addiction?
Substance use, whether that is alcohol or drugs, often starts innocently enough.
It’s just this one time.
I need something to help me unwind after work.
People want to know why occasional use stays that way for some people, while for others, it turns into a full-blown addiction. Addiction manifests for many reasons, but who it will impact is not as clear.
For most people, it starts with occasional weekend use. Then, throughout the week, they may decide to use it. Suddenly, they are using their substance of choice, which goes from most days of the week to daily, which becomes necessary for their life. However, you don’t have to use daily to be diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder.
So, when exactly does substance abuse turn into addiction?
When Does Substance Use Turn Into An Addiction?
What To Remember
First, let’s highlight again before you continue reading the rest of the post. There is no empirical research out there that says, “Someone will become addicted if they use x amount over an x period of time.”
Also, no matter what, please keep in mind that addiction is not a choice. (Check out our podcast episode where we talk about the choice argument) Yes, the choice was made to use, but that doesn’t mean anyone sets out to battle with substance abuse.
1. It Becomes All Consuming
When substance use increases, it slowly changes the chemical balance in the brain. The brain and the body become dependent on the chemicals and feelings with the associated substance. People who struggle with addiction will become hyperfocused on when they will be able to drink, smoke, or use again. It may feel like a subtle voice reminds them they haven’t used it in a while (even if that isn’t true.) Or, it can be at the very forefront of their focus. The thought and craving to use can manifest in different ways and intensities.
2. Using Becomes Less About Enjoyment
It’s normal for people to go out with their friends or be at a gathering and socially use substances. Often, that is how usage of any kind starts in social situations.
For those who become addicted, it is less about the enjoyment than it is the necessity of how it makes them feel. The usage increases over time as an unhealthy way to cope with the problems that pop up in life. To deal with complex feelings of sadness, depression, or grief. It’s an escape mechanism so someone doesn’t have to deal with these tumultuous feelings. That doesn’t make the problem go away, however. To put it simply, through the progression of addiction, using a substance leads to “numbing out” from life stressors. Someone may know that they will not get the same euphoric feeling they had in the early part of using, but they know they will at least feel different. And feeling different is better than what they’re feeling now.
3. Usage Increase Over Time
This is one of the big signs that recreational use is turning into something else entirely—the need for the dose/amount to increase over time. Over time, it’s natural for people to build up a tolerance to substances if they use them frequently enough. The human body is a complex piece of equipment that adjusts to its usage. Eventually, stronger or more amounts of any substance are needed to get the same effect it had on a person.
4. The Body Becomes Dependent On It
You often hear about someone having withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using or starts the substance abuse recovery process. These withdrawal symptoms are because the body becomes dependent on the substance to function. This is why, when they aren’t using or trying to stop, they can experience symptoms such as:
Shaking/Tremors
Sweating
Migraines
Irritability
Muscle aches
Muscle tension
Stomach issues
Elevated blood pressure
5. Continuing To Use, Despite Consequences
As addiction tightens its grip on an individual's life, its influence ripples through various facets. It's often observed that addiction starts encroaching on one's professional life, disrupting productivity and focus. Simultaneously, relationships with family members, partners, or spouses can undergo strain and deterioration as addiction gains momentum. Gradually, the substance's control extends to virtually every aspect of one's existence, overshadowing responsibilities and joys alike. Despite experiencing adverse consequences, individuals persist in substance use, trapped in a cycle of dependence and compulsion.
If you are struggling with addiction, please know you aren’t alone in this. We are here to support and help you on your journey to sobriety. Contact us to learn more about addiction counseling or our intensive programs.