The cycle of addiction is the process by which the addiction continually manifests in someone who is actively abusing alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. When that cycle is broken, and the person lives a healthier lifestyle, they are in recovery. Understanding how the cycle of addiction perpetuates is crucial in figuring out how to disrupt the process so that healing can begin. Unfortunately, without outside intervention from professional counselors, doctors, and rehab programs, most addicts are unable to break addiction’s repetitive cycle.
What Is the Addiction Spectrum?
Addiction exists on a continuum that gradually worsens over time. This pattern includes:
- Misuse – This is when a person experiments with drugs or alcohol recreationally or uses those substances to ease physical or emotional pain. When they experience the temporary pleasurable effects of alcohol or drugs, they are motivated to use them again.
- Abuse – This is when the person increases their drug and alcohol use to escape reality and prolong the desired euphoric effects.
- Addiction – By this time, the majority of the person’s time and effort is spent in the acquisition of more drugs or alcohol.
Ironically, the problems they are trying to escape are still there. New problems invariably arise as a result of constant substance use. This is when a person becomes dependent upon the substance, and satisfying their craving becomes their existence.
What Is the Cycle of Addiction?
The cycle of addiction is a repeating pattern where a person experiences emotional triggers, feels a strong craving to use a substance or behavior to cope, and temporarily satisfies that craving. This substance use can be the start of the cycle, as it offers short-term relief or escape from negative emotions, but the relief is always fleeting.
However, after using, guilt or negative consequences follow, which don’t immediately stop the cycle. Instead, they often lead the person to return to the substance use to escape those uncomfortable feelings. Over time, this pattern strengthens, making it harder to break free. The more the substance is used, the more deeply the cycle becomes embedded, trapping the person in a loop that is difficult to escape, despite the ongoing negative outcomes.
What Are the 7 Steps of the Cycle of Addiction?
The cycle of addiction has seven steps that may present differently in each person. For example, a person who abuses a substance daily may rotate through that cycle several times during the day, while a person who binges may move through the process at a different pace.
The seven steps of the cycle of addiction are:
- Trigger: A stressful event, emotion, or situation sparks the desire to use.
- Craving: The urge to use becomes overwhelming and difficult to control.
- Ritual: The person may begin to plan or prepare for using, increasing anticipation.
- Use: The person engages in the addictive behavior or uses the substance to feel relief.
- Reinforcement: The temporary relief or high feels good, encouraging the behavior to continue.
- Negative Consequences: The aftermath of use brings guilt, shame, or other negative outcomes.
- Despair: The person feels trapped and hopeless, leading to the cycle starting over again.
Unfortunately, this proves to be an empty promise because when the emotional or physical frustration turns, the addicted person begins to re-experience the fantasies of relieving their pain with alcohol or drugs.
How to Break the Cycle of Addiction
Breaking the cycle of addiction involves more than just stopping a behavior—it requires significant changes in lifestyle, mindset, and habits. This transformation happens in stages, each representing a different level of readiness for change.
Pre-contemplation
In this stage, the person isn’t considering quitting. They might not even see the problem or think that it’s affecting their life. There’s often a sense of denial or a belief that they have everything under control, despite the negative consequences. This phase can be frustrating for loved ones who may see the need for change, but for the person in pre-contemplation, it’s not yet on their radar.
Contemplation
At this point, the person starts to realize that their behavior may be causing harm. They’re not ready to take action yet, but they’re starting to think about quitting. This stage involves weighing the pros and cons of changing, which can be confusing and emotionally challenging. It’s a critical moment because the person is beginning to acknowledge the need for change but may still feel conflicted about the steps to take.
Preparation
Now, the person is ready to take the next step. They’ve made the decision to quit and start making plans. This could involve researching treatment options, talking to a counselor, or setting up a support system. It’s a time for getting mentally prepared for what quitting will require. This stage is all about laying the groundwork for the action that follows.
Action
In this stage, the person actively takes steps to quit. They may enter treatment programs, seek counseling, or start attending self-help groups. The goal here is to stop using substances or engaging in the addictive behavior. It’s a critical stage because it’s where real change begins to take place. However, even though they’ve taken action, challenges can still arise as they work to stay committed to recovery.
Maintenance
After a period of abstinence, maintenance is all about living a healthy, substance-free life. This stage requires ongoing effort to prevent relapse and maintain the changes made during recovery. It involves developing new habits, building resilience, and finding ways to manage life’s stresses without turning to substances. Maintenance is crucial for long-term success, as it helps prevent falling back into old patterns.
How Long Does It Take to Break the Cycle of Addiction?
The timeline for breaking the cycle of addiction varies from person to person. Recovery is a lifelong process, and the time it takes to break the cycle depends on several factors, such as the severity of the addiction, the type of substance involved, and the support system available. While some people may see improvements in a few months, for most, it can take years of sustained effort and maintenance to fully recover. The key is consistent progress, no matter how long it takes.
Start Your Journey at Northpoint Recovery
At Northpoint Recovery, our team of professionals works hard to create individualized addiction treatment programs that meet each patient’s needs so they can find hope on their journey toward a healthier life. We are committed to providing compassionate care, education, and support so you can recover. Learn more about our programs or find addiction information by contacting us online or calling 888.296.8976.