Substance abuse refers to when a person is partaking in a particular substance on a more consistent and recurring basis. Any repeated and excessive usage should be considered harmful. Substances in excess tend to have a detrimental effect on people. At Recovery at the Crossroads, we believe recovery is personal. When you come through our doors, expect an individualized approach to care. This means that, with your help, we’ll develop a recovery plan to address the challenges you face.

Once individuals have tried a substance, they might move to the experimentation stage. Experimentation often involves trying different substances to see which offers the “best” high. Experimenting with harmful substances may occur during social gatherings, such as parties. No one engages in substance use or other activities expecting or hoping to develop an uncontrollable urge to participate. However, the desire to use substances or engage in risky behavior happens when an individual becomes addicted. When you’re trying to break the cycle of addiction, you don’t have to define who’s right, but it’s instrumental to tune into what’s right for you.

How the Cycle of Addiction Starts

Individual counseling sessions allow patients to work through the issues that led to their addictions. Through inpatient rehab, which is a residential program that lasts about 30 days, in most cases. Inpatient rehab gives people time away from the stressors of their everyday lives. Maintenance – Following your recovery cycle of addiction program, the addict is now living a healthier, substance-free lifestyle. After “acting out”, the addict feels guilty and ashamed for giving in. Once the tension builds to an unendurable level, the person uses again. Cravings for drugs or alcohol are a force to be reckoned with and can get the best of us.

• A critical part of alcohol addiction treatment is developing a relapse prevention plan that helps you deal with potential triggers, lapses (e.g., having one drink), and relapses when they happen.
• He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations.
• Repeated alcohol consumption also results in changes in the basal ganglia that lead to habit formation, ultimately contributing to compulsive use.
• Between steps 7 and 8, you can intervene in the cycle by learning new ways to manage the stress and anxiety that begin the cycle anew.
• Remember that addiction is a chronic mental health condition and someone with this condition may always resist treatment as the drug has taken such a toll over their life.

But more dangerous can be when someone uses drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or a mental health issue. This can increase the desire to keep using drugs or alcohol, which can lead to the next phase of addiction.

The Family Cycle of Addiction

James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. Aftercare support is essential for individuals who complete substance abuse treatment programs. Outpatient counseling, peer support groups and community organizations that connect individuals to community resources can help people stay on the path to recovery.

• Ritual behaviors can be described as activities, thoughts or ideas that addicts engage in as part of their addiction.
• Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals.
• This cycle can be arrested at any point after the addict or alcoholic makes a decision or is forced to get help.
• Initiation is an individual’s first experience with a substance.

As a result, this area of the brain plays a key role in this stage. Recovery Connection is the ultimate addiction recovery resource portal for information on the latest treatments, centers, and programs.