Many people ask the question: how does addiction start? In this video, Dr. Kevin Wandler shares the behaviors and the cognitive responses that cause individuals to use drugs and alcohol more frequently

Many people ask the question: how does addiction start? In this video, Dr. Kevin Wandler shares the behaviors and the cognitive responses that cause individuals to use drugs and alcohol more frequently, which in turn leads to dependence and possibly addiction.

The Beginning of Addiction

Addiction is very individualized. I believe some people are really susceptible to the use of chemicals. Generally, individuals start using drugs or alcohol at a very young age with experimentation. For most people, the response is just “ok, I did it” and they go on. But others get a “WOW!” response and they become more interested in using more and more drugs.

So over time the drugs they use or misuse become a regular routine and over time a person can build up something called tolerance. Tolerance means that you need more and more of the drug to get the same while feeling and with that over time builds up really physical addiction to the chemical.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with 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 providers.