What is the focus of Stage Three in the process of addiction?

Stage Three in the process of addiction is characterized by the development of dependency or addiction. At this stage, an individual's substance use shifts from occasional or controlled use to a point where they have a psychological and possibly physical dependence on the substance. This transition signifies that the substance has begun to dominate the individual's life, affecting their behavior, relationships, and overall functioning.

During this stage, individuals often experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, an increased tolerance requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect, and a compulsion to seek out the substance despite negative consequences. This level of dependency is crucial to understand, as it marks a significant progression in the addiction cycle, necessitating different therapeutic interventions compared to earlier stages where use may still be sporadic and less damaging.

Understanding this stage aids in recognizing how addiction operates and informs the development of effective treatment strategies tailored to help individuals regain control over their lives and move towards recovery.