Process of addiction

PROCESS OF ADDICTION

Abdullah Baniyameen
baniyameen@aol.com
July 4, 2009




EARLY ADDICTION:

۩ Experimental drug use.
۩ Use is pleasurable, rewarding.
۩ Uses drug when offered.
۩ Uses drug to escape boredom.
۩ Many friends are non-users.

INTERMEDIATE ADDICTION:

۩ Begins to buy drugs.
۩ More time is spent finding drugs.
۩ Dosage/usage increases.
۩ Mood swings/defensiveness.
۩ Using to reduce feelings.
۩ Change in appearance.
۩ Truancy, school or work performance drops.
۩ Increased problems at home/work place.
۩ Denial and constant lying.
۩ Most friends are drug users.
۩ Isolation.
۩ Loss of control over drugs.
۩ Using to feel good about self.
۩ Friends and family becomes aware.

ADVANCED ADDICTION:

۩ Uses drug to feel and function normally.
۩ Uses in isolation.
۩ Most friends are drug users.
۩ Failed attempts to control use.
۩ Drug hunger drives behaviour.
۩ Drug related physical injuries.
۩ Blaming others for problems.
۩ Problems with authority.

۩ Neglecting priorities in life.

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