How Long Does It Take for an Addiction to Develop?

Addiction develops differently in each person. An individual may take one hit of cocaine or one puff of crystal meth and become hooked. For their friends, the disease could develop much later, after dozens of uses. It can smack you in the face at any time, without warning. Once it does, your life will be forever changed.

While the length of time differs for everyone, factors exist that can help you understand addiction and the rate at which it develops.

Addiction and the Brain

You are at the mercy of your brain. It plays a significant role in your dependence to a substance.

The first time someone uses a drug, he or she may begin to feel its effects immediately. For example, when someone consumes ecstasy, they experience a burst of euphoria. When they take a painkiller such as oxycodone, they may feel extreme relaxation and reduced anxiety. Your brain reacts differently to each drug, and each drug affects certain areas of the brain.

Addiction can be expedited if the substance is injected intravenously, snorted, used in large amounts or taken in high frequencies. The more you take, or the heavier the dosage, the higher your tolerance becomes over time. This causes the pleasure to weaken and the cravings to heighten. Oftentimes, this result leads to a substance use disorder.

Early Influences

Drugs can manipulate the architecture of your brain while you’re still in the womb. Levels of stress and caregiver-child interactions directly affect the brain, influencing one’s long-term ability to control his or her emotions. Over time, as the person grows older, this can lead to compulsive decision making and substance abuse.

Vulnerable Ages

Studies have shown adults develop habits that lead to addiction early in life — particularly during adolescence. This is a time when many teenagers are first exposed to drugs and alcohol.

The brain is still developing during these ages. The parts that control impulsivity, decision-making and executive control are not yet mature; therefore, exposure to illicit substances could stunt development, heightening the likelihood of obtaining a drug or alcohol disorder.

Risk Factors for Addiction

Researchers understand what happens to the brain when someone becomes addicted. What cannot be predicted is how long it takes to become addicted. Studies have shown catalysts exist that influence addiction and the speed at which it develops.

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  Environment

  Young people are impressionable. They are influenced by their surroundings. If their mother or father is doing drugs or drinking every night, then the child may follow their lead. Certain beliefs and attitudes held in the household are also known to play a role in a person’s likelihood to develop an addiction.
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  Genetics

  Addiction is more common in individuals with a family history of the disease. If you have a relative who abuses drugs or alcohol, you are at greater risk of becoming addicted if you abuse drugs.
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  Gender

  While males are more likely to have a drug or alcohol problem, women develop the disease more quickly, according to studies.
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  Peer Pressure

  Young people are especially influenced by peer pressure. If close friends are frequently using drugs, the chances of you doing the same increase.
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  Lack of Family Involvement

  An unstable household can be problematic. A lack of parental supervision or spousal communication may steer individuals toward substance abuse.
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  Loneliness

  Loneliness often leads to depression. Studies indicate depressed persons have greater odds of turning to drugs to cope with their feelings.
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  Highly Addictive Drugs

  The chances of developing addiction run higher in certain drugs. Stimulants and painkillers are some of the more addictive substances available. However, soft drugs, such as marijuana, are also addictive.

It Doesn’t Take Long to Become Addicted

Addiction affects nearly 23 million Americans today, many of whom are struck by the disease after just a few uses. Simply dabbling with a substance can lead to a lifelong set of consequences.

The time it takes to pick up the disorder is different for everyone, though evidence shows it may not take very long for some people. Once developed, addiction can consume your everyday life, taking you down a long, dark road.

Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Author

Matt Gonzales,

Content Writer, DrugRehab.com

Matt Gonzales is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction. Certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in health literacy, Matt leverages his experience in addiction research to provide hope to those struggling with substance use disorders.

[email protected]

@bymattjgonzales

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View Sources

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