Recovered addicts have forwarded the following points…

•     The user learns he/she can produce a good feeling by using substances.
•     The individual uses at parties, under peer pressure, or on weekends.
•     He/she finds it easy to get drunk or high, due to a lack of tolerance for the substance.
•     The user learns that substances provide euphoria every time; he/she trusts the effects.
•     The user controls the use; i.e., regulates quantity to control the mood swing; regulates frequency of use.
•      No adverse behavioral effects may be detected; the substance has not yet interfered with lifestyle.
•     The user feels good (euphoria), with few consequences.

After a period of controlled use the following occurs:

1. The user, having learned that substances produce good feelings, starts to actively seek those feelings by planned use of drugs/alcohol.
2. Planned use involves buying substances.
3. Tolerance begins to be developed (i.e., the user needs more of the drug to get the same effect as before).
4. Use may still be controlled and the effect is anticipated.
5. Individual uses substance at appropriate times and places; e.g., not at work, not early in the morning, etc.
6. Individual develops self-imposed rules about use; e.g., "I won't drink before 5:00 p.m.," etc…
7. Addiction stage when the disease becomes progressive and uncontrollable
8. The individual becomes preoccupied with the mood swing.
9. The individual experiences a cost increase due to high tolerance.
10. There is an increase in frequency of substance use.
11. Solitary use occurs.
12. Loss of control occurs; i.e., getting drunk when not expecting to, using more than planned, breaking self-imposed rules, inability to predict outcome of use.
13. Lifestyle begins to change. Individual rearranges life so he/she can continue to use.
14. Blackouts occur frequently. ("Blackouts" are memory lapses that occur when the user is awake and appears to be engaged in normal activity; later, however, the person is unable to remember what has been said or done.)
15. The individual uses to cope with feelings, such as anger, guilt, fear, or anxiety.
16. The individual may be sneaky about getting, using, and hiding substance.
17. The individual may be irritable, or may become angry easily.
18. Rationalization and projection occur more frequently. ("Rationalization" is a person's attempt to explain his/her behavior in order to avoid responsibility. "Projection" is attributing one's problems to another person.)
19. The individual violates his/her value system, which contributes to emotional distress.
20. The individual experiences many consequences, such as deterioration of relationships, problems at work, financial difficulties, etc.
21. Denial grows. ("Denial" is a person's way of coping with a painful situation by refusing to accept it or believe it. By denying the existence of a problem, a person doesn't have to deal with it or assume any responsibility for it.)
22. The individual gives up important activities.
23. Self-esteem decreases.
24. The individual's physical appearance deteriorates.

Chronic Chemical Dependency - Substances Used to Feel Normal

• Individual uses substance to feel normal (physical dependency) and avoid pain (physical or emotional), rather than for achieving euphoria.
• Blackouts are longer and more frequent.
• The desire to use the substance becomes most important.
• The individual experiences complete loss of control; e.g., arrests, theft, prostitution, etc.
• The individual experiences physical problems.
• The individual experiences paranoid thinking and fear of insanity.
• The individual feels very alone; isolated.
• The individual feels a loss of desire to live; may have suicidal thoughts, attempts.