How Do Rituals Play a Role With Addictions

How Do Rituals Play a Role With Addictions Addiction Addictive Behaviors Sex Print How Rituals Play a Role With Addictions Rituals Are One Stage of the Addiction Process By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Updated on April 29, 2019 Tara Moore/Taxi/Getty Images More in Addiction Addictive Behaviors Sex Caffeine Internet Shopping Alcohol Use Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Most healthcare professionals believe that addictions do not occur instantly but over the course of several stages.  If you suspect someone has an addiction, confronting them can be a very precarious, difficult time. You want to be mindful of his or her feelings and keep yourself from making false or hurtful accusations. But if you understand the stages and tell-tale signs of addiction, you can have a better idea of when you need to step in and how to do it in a supportive way that gets positive results. Stages of Addiction Addiction can have varying levels of severity and difficulty. Some at risk of developing an addiction, or even someone who is already addicted, may be able to conquer the addiction before hitting rock bottom. Getting treatment at the earlier stages can increase the chances of successfully recovering.   The most commonly recognized stages are: ExperimentationUse of RitualsRisky UseDependenceFull Addiction Rituals and Addiction Stage 2, where there is regular use of rituals, may be one of the easiest times to recognize symptoms of addiction and intervene. It is also the last point before the behaviors can become risky or dangerous.   The ritual stage is defined by regular use of an addictive behavior or substance and a specific routine that goes along with it. This is a time when the person is no longer just experimenting; the behaviors have become a major part of their daily life. Their day-to-day schedule revolves around their addiction. For instance, someone with a sex addiction may come home from work, shower and then go into a chat room or forum to locate potential partners. He may meet a new person every day at a specific time at a specific location. For some, the actions of the ritual are as important as the substance itself. It can fulfill certain urges and the time of day, technique and location can carry significant meaning to the user. Some of the behaviors of rituals actually feed into the addiction; a user may deliberately work themselves into a state of agitation by having a ritual that is easily interrupted, therefore giving them a reason or justification to use the substance more.   This becomes a subconscious routine. The person will continuously seek out and engage in the same behaviors, in the same order, every day. Eventually, lifestyle habits are created that revolve around addictive behaviors Everyone experiences the stages of addiction differently. Some people may be in the ritual stage for just a few weeks; others may go through rituals for months. However, this is only a stage that will eventually evolve into the next part, engaging in risky behaviors. Getting help during the ritual stage is essential to prevent potential dangers and risks, such as injury, financial ruin or contracting an illness.   Get Help If you are concerned a loved one is going through the stages of addiction or is practicing rituals for substance abuse or other addictions, find a therapist specializing in treating these sorts of behaviors. They can help you recognize warning signs and help you decide on next steps, such as discussing the addiction issues directly with your loved one and treatment options.   The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs