Substance use has predictable stages before addiction sets in. Understanding the various stages of substance use, how to identify patterns with substance use, and when to seek help is critical for those suffering from substance abuse. The reasons that someone turns to substance use can vary from situation to situation and person-to-person. However, recognizing patterns can give you more understanding about addiction before learning how to counteract the physical and emotional elements of addiction.
Identifying patterns of substance abuse helps clients and those they love to understand addiction at a deeper level. Substance use can change the patterns and thoughts of cognitive decision-making and increase risks for substance abuse.
Addiction can manifest in multiple ways and due to a variety of psychological, physical, emotional, and mental factors. Many people who suffer from substance use don’t understand that they have a problem or how the substances are affecting their life. In addition, many people with substance abuse concerns suffer in various aspects of their lives, including relationships, health, careers, and cognitive reasoning.
Now, substance abuse doesn’t mean that a person has a lack of morals or a negative personality. Addiction can co-occur with other mental disorders, despite the consequences and negative impacts on their life. Those suffering from substance use and their loved ones need to learn more about substances and substance abuse because it helps to avoid unnecessary negative outcomes.
Short of the warning signs and behavioral changes that come with substance use, there are other, more broad things to identify and understand. Before jumping to conclusions or pointing the finger of blame and guilt toward those struggling with substances, remember that each individual who suffers from addiction may show only some or even none of these patterns.
Each situation is unique, and each individual who suffers from substance abuse may show different signs. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love using substances, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before engaging with the situation on your own.
Some patterns of substance abuse include:
Some behaviors and broad patterns may not be due to addiction but could instead result from an underlying co-occurring health disorder. When you learn more about behaviors and the patterns of addiction, you can more deeply understand the reality of the situation. It’s important to set your boundaries, maintain your self-care, and speak to a professional who understands addiction.
If you or someone you love are aware of the substance use patterns, staying clear, consistent, and honest with yourself, with them, and with a healthcare professional can help you begin down the path to recovery.
Those struggling with substance abuse may go through different stages before it becomes dependence. The stages begin with experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and then addiction.
Each stage has similar warning signs, but remember it may be up to you to recognize these stages and seek help, regardless of whether you or your loved one is in the first stage or into the later stages of addiction. The last stage of substance abuse may show patterns that can include:
Because these are the signs of a serious substance abuse concern, it is important to recognize the patterns and know when you should reach out for professional help for yourself or your loved one. Substance abuse is addressed by professionals who understand how to treat the individual and the substance abuse at its core. There are modalities and treatment methods put into place to help those struggling with addiction to help them find better focus and motivation to begin and continue along the recovery process.
The hardest part to learn about substance abuse is knowing when you should not try to change the habits and behavior of others struggling with substance use. Sometimes, you need to have a health professional intervene on your behalf. Regardless, you can try to motivate yourself and focus on maintaining your boundaries and self-care.
Identifying the thoughts and patterns of substance abuse can help you be much more aware of the destructive nature of addiction. A healthcare professional can give you tips and pointers about how to intervene or can help set up a place and time to consult with those struggling with substance abuse. Addiction is a tricky situation, as everyone struggling with it may not respond how you expect if the right guidance is not in place. At NorthStar Transitions, we understand the connection between circumstances and substance use. We have professional therapists in our treatment programs to help support anyone struggling with substances. We provide clinical and holistic treatment options that are personalized to each individual and their struggles with substance abuse. We are constantly researching ways to better provide clinical delivery and a cutting-edge approach to recovery. If you or someone you love have concerns about substance abuse and wants to identify the patterns, call us at (303) 558-6400.
