Cycle of Addiction

CYCLE OF ADDICTION



What is Addiction?

The addicted brain is chemically and physiologically different from a normal brain. Addiction is obsessive thinking and a compulsive need for alcohol, drugs, food, sex etc., despite negative consequences. Addiction includes development of tolerance withdrawal symptoms, physical cravings and obsession.



How Addiction Starts?

Misuse

Abuse

Addiction



Promising to stop

"I'm never doing thsi again"



Fantasizing about drugs and alcohol

"I just need a little to feel better."



Obsessing about drugs and alcohol

"I need them now!"



Frustration that leads to anxiety

"What will I do?"



Using drugs or alcohol



Shame, guild and remorse.

"Can't belive I did it again."



BREAKING THE CYCLE

Breaking the cycle of addiction means changing behaviors, which happens in stages:



Precontemplation

Not ready to change.



Contemplation

Thinking about changing.



Preparation

Mentally and physically preparing to stop.



Action

Stops using, may seek treatment.



Maintenance

Creates new Lifestyle in recovery.



Possible Relapse

Can happen during action or maintenance starting the cycle again. CYCLE, OF ADDICTION The addicted brain is chenically and physiologically different from a nornal brain. Addiction is obsessive thinking and a conpulsive need for alcohol, drugs, food, sex, WHAT Is ADDICTION? etc., despite negative consequences. Addiction includes development of tolerance, withdrawal synptons, physical cravings and obsession, How ADDICTION Misuse > Abuse > Addiction ŠTARTS "I just need Promising to stop Fantasizing about drugs and a little to feel better" "I'm never doing this again" alcohol "Can't believe I did it again" THE CYCLE OF ADDICTION Using drugs or alcohol Frustration that leads to anxiety "What will I do?" BREAKING THE CYCLE Breaking the cycle of addiction teans changing behaviors, hich happens in stages: Precontemplation Not ready to change, Contemplation Thinking about changing. Preparation Mentally and physically preparing to stop. Action Possible Stops using, ay seek treatnent. Relapse Maintenance Can happen during action Dr maintenance, Creates new Lifestyle in recovery. starting the cycle again. RCx www.recoveryconnection.cog Source hurwww.ocoveryconnection.ongkycle ot adtiction/ Re Caimetir Obsessing about dring alcohol I need them now