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Disease Progression
Early Stages
In the early stage of chemical dependency, the
individual uses mood-altering drugs to achieve a desired level of euphoria
or to relieve stress or other uncomfortable feelings or moods. The
individual develops tolerance for alcohol or drugs and must drink or use
larger amounts to achieve the same effect that was once possible with
smaller amounts. The individual often has difficulty controlling the
amount of use and may have personal behavior problems associated with use.
Changes in thinking occur to defend inappropriate behavior, to avoid
taking responsibility for problems associated with use, and to justify
continued use. This is referred to as denial.
As the frequency of alcohol or drug use increases ,
changes in brain chemistry occur as the brain accommodates to addictive
substances. This change in brain chemistry results in tolerance.
Negative consequences associated with the abuse of substances increase.
Denial systems also increase, and the individual becomes obsessed with
alcohol or drugs and has cravings to use at any cost. Depending on the
addictive substance, physical dependency may be present, resulting in
uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms if the individual abruptly
stops using.
End Stage
In the end stage of chemical dependency, all the
problems associated with substance use continue, but they are at higher
levels of severity. Serious physical, psychological, and behavior
problems occur. Alcohol and/or drug related problems often cause
premature death.
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