Which stage follows experimentation in the five stages of substance abuse?

• A. Addiction
• B. Abuse
• C. Recreational Use
• D. Frequent Use

Answer: (C)

Understanding the progression of substance use helps explain why this is the next stage after trying a substance. After experimentation, using the substance in a casual, social context to enjoy the experience is called recreational use. At this point, use is typically not tied to harm or loss of control and is often tied to social settings or enjoyment rather than coping with problems. This stage sits before patterns become harmful or compulsive. Addiction involves compulsive use despite serious problems and a loss of control, while abuse refers to use that starts causing harm or impairment. Frequent use describes how often someone uses, but in this progression it’s not treated as the named next stage; the typical sequence moves from experimentation to recreational use, then to abuse, and finally to dependence or addiction.