Menu Close

Contact Insight Recovery Today

Learn more about Insight Recovery by visiting our contact page or giving us a call.

Understanding the Stages of Addiction

therapist helping young woman in understanding the stages of addiction

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to seeking help for substance use disorders. Still, people often don’t notice they’re developing a dependency until it’s in the later stages. The earlier you recognize an addiction, the easier it will be to seek help and kick the habit. Professional help is always the best way to work toward recovery, and a professionally-designed treatment program can be the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment. If you’re looking for addiction treatment programs in the Asheville, NC area, look no further than Insight Recovery Center.

At Insight Recovery Center, we use personalized treatment plans to help each of our individual clients. Recovery never has a one-size fits all option, so everyone needs treatment that allows their own needs to be addressed. From dual diagnosis care to family therapy, our approach is personalized to your individual needs the whole way. Sobriety is not as unreachable as it may feel where you sit. Working toward a sober life is possible for anyone at any stage of addiction, but you don’t have to do it without help. For more information about what Insight Recovery can do for you, contact us today by calling 828.826.1376 or visit us online.

What are the Stages of Addiction?

Many are familiar with the stages of recovery used by many treatment facilities. Some people may not realize that there are also stages to the development of addiction. Here are the standard stages of addiction:

  • Experimental or moderate use: This stage is common and doesn’t always progress further. Young people who have just begun using drugs, or people who drink or smoke marijuana socially with friends may fall into this category, but the risks of addiction are very present.
  • Increased use: You may notice that previously, you were using heavily on occasion, but now you may find yourself using every weekend, or looking for more excuses to get drunk or high. Binge drinking, or mixing substances like alcohol with stimulants, may fall here too.
  • Problem use: This is where alcohol or drugs begin to massively affect your life and well-being. You may skip work or other responsibilities to allow yourself more time to use or recover from a night of heavy use. You may find yourself becoming more depressed or anxious, especially when you haven’t used it.
  • Substance addiction: This is where a chemical dependency forms. You will have an intense attachment to substance use, and you may feel sick after going too long without using. You also likely have a much higher tolerance to the substance, which means you are using more to get the effect you desire.

Substance Abuse Disorder vs. Addiction

The word “addiction” may have a problematic connotation for some people in recovery. Some people may associate the word with shame or failure, and others may consider it a personal flaw. However, looking at it for the disease that it is can be very beneficial. Substance use disorders, which is the medical term for addiction, are treatable in any situation, and recognizing a medical issue for what it is can be very helpful in shedding feelings of shame surrounding your treatment. You deserve the help you need.

How Insight Recovery Center Can Help

At Insight Recovery Center, we love to see people become the best selves they can be. For many people in recovery, community is everything, and we think that you’ll find a perfect place to fit in here. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Make a change today by calling Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 to speak to a trusted member of our team.