Addiction is a complex and multifaceted process that can involve several stages. While the specifics of each stage may vary from person to person and substance to substance, there are several key steps that are generally considered to be involved in addiction. The first step is typically experimentation, where an individual tries a substance for the first time. This can be driven by curiosity or peer pressure, among other factors. If the substance produces pleasurable effects, the individual may move on to regular use. This involves using the substance on a consistent basis, often in increasing amounts or with greater frequency over time. From here, the individual may begin to experience negative consequences as a result of their substance use, such as impaired judgment or problems in their personal or professional life. Despite these negative outcomes, the individual may continue to use the substance due to the pleasurable effects they experience. As use continues, the individual may become dependent on the substance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it. This can lead to the next stage, which is addiction. In this stage, the individual's substance use is compulsive, despite negative consequences and a desire to quit.