I was on a website and they said these were the 5 steps to someone using and drug and becoming addicted. It’s from the Delta County Independent.

 

“Stage 1: They’re curious about drug use; they may ask questions or ask to join those using drugs. They willingly listen to stories about the effects of drugs. They watch others obtaining drugs or using them.

Stage 2: They experiment with drugs and discover the effects. This is usually social, recreational use carried out as part of a group, usually on weekends. The peer pressure of the group use is enough reason for many people to continue to use drugs.

Stage 3: Now the drug user has discovered the “benefits” of using drugs. Perhaps they alleviate boredom or anxiety. Problems and stresses may seem to disappear. Girls or women may use stimulants for weight loss and males may use steroids for appearance enhancement. When the positive effects outweigh the risks or any negative effects, these individuals may become regular users. They acquire a supply of drugs and drug paraphernalia. They have regular contacts they can rely on for more supplies. They may use drugs more frequently, no longer restricting their use to weekends. Their behavior and activities begin to change. School, work or family affairs may seem less important. They may change their friends to associate with others who use drugs. Legal complications may appear.

Stage 4: They now become preoccupied with drug use. Behavior changes become more pronounced and obvious. The user may be found to lie frequently and may begin stealing or dealing drugs to support drug use. As drug tolerance increases, the user may start using stronger drugs to get the same effect. More neglect of school, work or family affairs will show up. The user will become secretive, hard to reach and is likely to neglect former interests completely. Legal and financial complications often worsen.

Stage 5: At this point, the user is dependent on their drug of choice. He or she can’t face daily life without drugs and uses them just to function or feel “normal.” They deny the problem and present a completely false face to their family and environment. Physical problems worsen. Financial and legal complications are often severe. They may sever ties with family and former friends. They are now addicted. There are only three possible outcomes to addiction: early death, prison or sobriety.”

These stages can probably be applied to alcoholism also.  The last stage is definately the point of whether or not the person will get help and quit altogether or die very soon.  At the last stage, it's impossible to maintain a stable job and any healthy relationships.  You're literally drunk or drugging all of the time, often first thing in the morning, and your tolerance can almost reach a breaking point, where you're intoxicated easier.  Your body can be so dependant on the drunk/alcohol that you can easily slip away just because of withdrawals. 
I remember watching Jeff Conoway on Celebrity Rehab while he was coming off of years of drug use and it was even painful to watch.  He had tremors and extreme pain, the worst withdrawals I've ever seen.  Also at this last stage, many of your organs have failed or are severely damaged because of the years of abuse.

have any of you or anyone you know relate to any of the stages? the person who sticks out in my mind is my aunt. she was so addicted to heroin it ruined her life for many years. she left the family and moved somewhere else and we didnt hear from her for like 7 years. she quit cold turkey though, i'm proud of her and now she's sober and living a wonderful life, the way it should be.

My dad comes to mind when read about the last stage.  Before my parents divorced was when his drinking was at its worst.  However, he may be sort of an exception to the fact that that stage most people die or quit completely. He has his drinking somewhat under control now.  He still drinks often, but he doesn't get as drunk as he used to.  He has a high paying job which he loves and goes to everyday, but he does have a drinking problem, but I'm no longer scared of him dyeing very soon.  He has hopes of one day quitting altogether and recently made a decision to get into shape which I'm really proud of him for.  I think one day he'll give up drinking altogether, hopefully soon..