Question

summarize the continuum of alcohol abstinence to dependence and provide an example for each phase identified in the continuum.

Answer 1

Continuum of substance use refers to stages of substance use or abuse which a person goes through and ends up in becoming dependent upon particular substance.

Stages in the continuum are as follows:-

1. Non use or abstinence

2. Experimental use

3. Recreational or social use

4. Harmful use

5. Dependence

I would describe each stage in short and provide an example-

1. Non use /abstinence- When in very early stages of life individual is naieve and not exposed to any substances.

Children belonging to early childhood who are still not exposed to any type of substances or also few adolescents and adults who have never tried any substance in their life are considered abstinent.

2. Experimental use:- Usually seen in children these days belonging to age group as early as 8 years. May it be because of seeking something new and thrilling or due to peer infulence or modelling a famous actor children usually start experimenting with drugs. Usually tobacco ,cigarette smoking ,alcohol are considered to be gateway drugs as they are most commonly tried in experimental stage and provides a gateway to use of other drugs.

2. Recreational or social use: usually common in young adults and adolescents who repeate use of drugs and commonly take them in social gatherings,parties festivals or on weekends.

Some of the social drinkers limit their use to social or recreational use and not cross the limits but such are very few. Majority of them do cross this stage and start using the substance more often.

4. Harmful use :- By now the individual starts experiencing some harmful effects may it be psychological or physiological, but number of harmful effects are seen. Person experiences difficulties in professional and personal life too,but inspite of the harmful effects he continues to use the substance.

5. Dependence :- In this stage person is totally dependent upon the substance. Has a lot of personal,social and occupational hazards and dysfunctioning. Person becomes tolerant , experience withdarwal symptoms,craving gives over all his pleasures and gives sole importance and priority to the addicted substance.

Each phase in the continuum as mentioned above is important to know how severe is the substance use and also to know what kind of treatment would best suit the individual .