What Are the Stages of Substance Abuse?
Understanding how substance use progresses helps people spot problems early and choose the right level of care. Experts describe the “stages” in more than one way. Many public‑facing guides talk about a behavioral progression from first use to addiction, while researchers also describe a three‑stage cycle that repeats inside the brain. Both views point to the same truth: as use escalates, risks rise and medical support—often including inpatient detox—may be needed.