Addiction In Columbus, Ohio: Stages and Warning Signs

Addiction results from a process of repeated drug or alcohol use that progressively impacts how a person’s body and mind react to it.

According to a report by the Ohio Department of Health (2024), psychostimulant-related deaths (e.g., methamphetamine) decreased by 6% from 2022 to 2023, marking the first decrease in such deaths in Ohio for the years presented.

Most people struggling with this mental illness follow a similar pattern, making it possible to break it down into various stages. Understanding SUD’s phases and warning signs is vital in seeking treatment or helping another person get the help they need.

What Are The Stages of Substance Addiction?

The Stages of Substance Addiction include initiation, experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and addiction. Each stage represents a deeper level of involvement with the substance, leading to increased physical and psychological reliance.

Here are the stages of substance addiction:

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1. Initiation

Substance use addiction begins with you voluntarily trying a substance for the first time. The reasons include peer pressure, which pushes young people to try to fit better into a specific peer group.

Drug availability, mental health, and the family environment also contribute significantly to drug and alcohol abuse. The most common challenge is when the drugs are introduced legally.

When people continue taking the drug, the body becomes accustomed to it, sometimes prompting them to take it more than recommended. It rapidly develops into the next stage. 

2. Experimentation 

At this stage, you move past trying the drug and take it in different contexts to test how it feels. At this stage, however, a person doesn’t have cravings and can make a well-informed choice on whether to use it or not.

It may not be hard to stop using the drug at this stage, as the effects are minimal. An intervention by a caregiver works at this stage because the user has not become dependent on the drug.

More Resources on Addiction:

• Top 15 U.S. States With the Most Women Addicts
• How to Find an AA Meeting in Ohio
• Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction In Columbus, Ohio

3. Regular Use

As a person continues experimenting with a drug, use becomes normalized and moves from occasional to regular use.

It does not mean that the drug is used daily, but a pattern is starting to develop. At this point, the drug starts causing harm to the user, and they begin to rely on it.

A regular user’s behavior begins to jeopardize their safety and that of those around them. Quitting becomes more challenging, but with a bit of help, a person can stop. 

4. Risky Use

At this stage, regular use continues to increase and negatively impacts the person’s life.

Although you don’t notice it, people on the outside will notice a significant shift in an individual’s behavior. The most common changes to look out for at this stage include neglecting current responsibilities and losing interest in activities you were previously interested in.

Risky use is also characterized by hiding drug use and changing medical practitioners from time to time, if the issue is prescription drugs. The person’s relationships with other people may also begin to deteriorate. 

5. Dependence

The marking point of the stage is that a person no longer uses the drug for medicinal or relaxation purposes, but due to reliance.

The individual has already become tolerant of the drug and must use more to get the same effects, which impacts them physically and psychologically. Physically, they have used a specific drug for a long time, and their body has learned to rely on it.

When a person abruptly stops the intake, the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms, generally characterized by uncomfortable symptoms. People continue to use a substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The drug, therefore, becomes a coping mechanism for hard times and is commonly taken in response to stressful situations.

The craving for the substance becomes intense, and they come to believe that they need the drug to live. A loved one will most likely resist friends’ and family’s efforts to help. 

6. Addiction

One of the addiction stage’s most significant points is that one uses the drug without making a conscious decision.

The brain becomes severely reliant on the substance, and addicts feel they cannot deal with life anymore without access to the select drug. It leads to losing control over a person’s choices and actions.

At this point, a person no longer recognizes how detrimental their behavior is and its effects on their relationships. An intervention is likely necessary at this stage. 

What Are The Warning Signs of Addiction?

The warning signs of addiction that necessitate intervention include physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. These signs manifest in various ways, indicating a growing dependence on substances. 

The warning signs of addiction are explained below:

Physical Signs  

Most signs in the category are readily visible, while others stay hidden and occur as progressive changes. Physical signs of addiction include: 

• Having bloodshot eyes, which is evident in many users. The pupils also appear constricted.
• A person experiences rapid weight loss due to a loss of appetite.
• There may be an interruption in sleeping habits.
  A person experiences insomnia or hypersomnia depending on the type of drug.
• An individual experiences constant changes in complexion.

  Most users get acne, paleness, and scars on their skin.

• A person has poor personal hygiene.

Behavioral Signs of Addiction  

There are also behavioral signs of addiction. Addicts are likely to isolate themselves from friends and family when they develop a substance use disorder.

In most cases, they will experience shame and fear of the social stigma associated with drug use. For example, they spend more time alone in their room and shut down when people talk to them.

Addicts are also defensive when uncomfortable drug-related topics arise and respond with hostility. They also try to hide their drug use by redirecting the conversations with arguments.

Addicts display erratic behavior. Depending on the drug, the behavior is mainly associated with paranoia, a sense of power, and invulnerability. Withdrawal symptoms also cause addicts to engage in reckless and criminal activities to gain the funds to maintain their habit.

Financial distress is associated with addiction as well. The habit gets too expensive, which requires an addict to keep borrowing money. An addict also sells their property to acquire funds to buy drugs.

Finally, a person experiences challenges at school or work. An addict frequently misses school or work or loses interest, resulting in a sharp drop in performance.

Psychological Signs of Addiction  

Psychological signs of addiction include changes in an addict’s principles and priorities. Substance use alters how a person thinks about the world and their general attitude toward other people.

Those with substance use disorder have unexplained mood swings and become easily irritated by the people around them. They also display misery and become upset in situations they previously handled calmly.

Addicts experience a loss of interest in completing everyday tasks, such as attending to household chores. Frequent failure to follow through on priorities and lack of enthusiasm indicate an underlying problem.

Addiction leads to low self-esteem. Addicts demonstrate an increased lack of confidence in all aspects of life, or they struggle with depression and anxiety. Addicts act depressed or anxious much more than they used to.

When Is an Intervention Necessary

An intervention is necessary if you’re sick of seeing a loved one’s life destroyed by addiction. There is no hard and fast rule on how to go about organizing an intervention, but you should undoubtedly be well-prepared. 

An intervention is a meeting where friends and family discuss with their loved one about their substance misuse and ask them to accept treatment.

What Happens at a Columbus, Ohio, Rehab Center?

Detoxification and addiction treatment happen at a Columbus, Ohio, rehab center. At Rehab, detoxification is usually the first step in treatment. You are stabilized under a medical detox program, which lasts a few days to weeks, helping you overcome withdrawal symptoms. 

The following things happen at a rehab center. 

1. Detoxification

Detoxification is usually the first step in treatment.

In detoxification, you are stabilized under a medical detox program. It helps in overcoming withdrawal symptoms.

The program lasts a few days to weeks. A detox involves medication to help in early recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms and minimizing cravings.

Withdrawal management treatment is vital for those with a history of addiction to substances, as stopping usage leads to hazardous health effects. It is vital to administer the treatment under professional supervision to reduce the risks. 

Once you are cleared from detox, the rest of the rehabilitation process begins.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) motivates you to reflect on recurring thoughts to recognize negative and unhealthy behaviors.

This therapy helps you recognize and change ways of thinking associated with substance use. It also equips you with coping skills to identify risky situations and act on them while preventing relapse.

You learn skills that will benefit you beyond the initial therapy and can be used to cure recurring mental and physical disorders. CBT is effective for clients addicted to different types of drugs.

It is also flexible and may work with other techniques to treat SUD.

3. Contingency Planning

Contingency planning (CM) aims to ensure abstinence from substance use.

It is based on your goals and focuses on helping you to make positive behavioral changes. You are offered rewards, such as a voucher, which acts as a motivation to adopt healthy behaviors.

CM is mainly used with other interventions, depending on your needs and the situation.

4. Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing helps you discover how substance use does not align with your goals and principles.

The understanding gained by this type of therapy helps you change behaviors with minimal resistance. Motivational enhancement therapy applies a structured approach to motivate you to participate in therapy sessions rapidly.

It is most effective for boosting the treatment of alcohol and marijuana addiction. 

4. Matrix Model

Matrix Model is an intensive approach to addiction intervention that uses different techniques to treat a client.

It focuses on your feelings, behavior, and relationships around you. It emphasizes a good counselor-client relationship while motivating you to create the framework in your life.

It is vital as it helps you manage your daily free time and schedule with positive results. You learn coping skills that help in overcoming addiction. Mandatory drug testing is part of the program, and you are put in touch with support groups like Narcotics Anonymous to help you get better.