Substance addiction is not a condition that develops suddenly or occurs the moment a substance is used. It is a process that develops and unfolds over time. Knowing which stage of this process the patient is in is of great importance in determining the treatment method to be used.
Social Environment and Peer Pressure
During adolescence, teenagers spend more time with their friends than with their families. The process of substance use also begins with changes in a young person’s social environment. The most important factor in this process is the young person’s circle of friends, who will introduce them to these substances. As the number of people who use drugs in a young person’s social circle increases, so does that person’s likelihood of using drugs. The fact that he wants to feel important when he’s with them and expects to be accepted by his group of friends makes it difficult for the young man to resist offers of drugs. Simply knowing about these substances and their harmful effects is often not enough to resist peer pressure.
Curiosity and the First Attempt
The first step in the process of substance addiction is curiosity and experimentation. Until the substance is tested, people experience not only curiosity but also fear regarding its effects. As curiosity overcomes fear, the person takes the first step, thinking, “It won’t hurt to try just once.” As a result, the person’s fear of the substance decreases. In most cases, using something for the first time paves the way for future use. Whether or not a young person uses cigarettes or alcohol during the curiosity and fear stage is also a determining factor. After all, it’s easier to offer other substances to a young person who smokes by saying, “This is just like a cigarette!” For this reason, the most important substance to address during the addiction process is cigarettes. Non-smokers are less likely to use other substances. A similar situation applies to alcohol consumption as well. People who drink alcohol cannot make sound decisions while under the influence, and during that time, they are more likely to say “Yes!” to offers of drugs.
Habituation and Progress Toward Dependence
With each attempt, a person promises themselves that they won’t try again. However, she can’t say “No!” to proposals made among friends. On the other hand, they believe they can control their substance use and quit whenever they want. He believes that he is not like the addicts he sees around him or hears about, and that they are weak-willed. Although he realizes that his substance use has become a problem for him over time, he takes no action because he believes he is not addicted. During this period, a culture of rebellion against school and social norms also gains strength. For example, a teenager’s substance use problem can, over time, lead to truancy, a loss of interest in schoolwork, and various behavioral problems. During this process, young people prefer to spend time in environments free from adult supervision. As people move further away from adult supervision and social control, substance culture evolves into a new lifestyle.
Surrendering to Addiction
When a person realizes they are addicted, they begin to believe—due to the influence of other substance users around them—that this condition cannot be cured and that they will never be able to stop using substances. The belief that it is already too late prevents a person from seeking treatment. Once a person accepts that they are a substance abuser, they begin to lead a substance-centered life. The sole purpose of life is to obtain the substance in a timely manner. At this stage, the addict may commit any kind of crime to obtain the necessary money.
Treatment Process
Just as it is very difficult to admit to a substance use disorder, it is also very difficult to admit to needing treatment. Starting treatment isn’t the end of the story. After all, when a person begins treatment, they think they’ll just stop using the substance, but they don’t realize that they’ll also have to change their circle of friends, lifestyle, and habits.
