ABSTINENCE is the state of not drinking or using at all.





MODERATION means drinking or using from time to time at appropriate times in appropriate places,
and rarely if ever getting out of control.





MISUSE means out-of-control or inappropriate drinking or using from time to time
that is beginning to have an effect on one's life.





DEPENDENCE means out-of-control or inappropriate drinking a majority of the time one indulges;
this use is having an effect on one's life.

THE CYCLE OF DEPENDENCE looks like this:

1. use of the substance for quick and easy short-term effects;
2. feels good, so there is an increase in the amount or frequency of use,
and smaller duration of time without the substance;
3. a decrease in the amount of time using life skills to cope with or manage every-day living;
4. living skills begin to erode due to lack of appropriate use;
5. this leads to difficulty managing experiences and emotions without the use of the substance;
6. which leads to increased dependence on the substance to cope.

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