People have various reasons and beliefs before they start using substances. These are the main reasons that first lead a person to substance use and then to addiction. One of the most common of these beliefs is the thought "Nothing happens from just once".
Before a person starts using substances, they may feel curiosity and fear towards substance use. Once they overcome their fear, the feeling of curiosity encourages them to try the substance. Thus, the person who is curious about and wants to try the substance carries out the first use with the thought "Nothing happens from just once". This use is the first step into the Addiction Cycle.
The Addiction Cycle is a vicious cycle that starts with curiosity and the desire to use, and progresses with thoughts like "Nothing happens from just once" where the person gradually loses control. In the later stages of this cycle, the person continues to use, thinks they can quit whenever they want, and eventually realizes they cannot quit. In the subsequent stages, they may decide to quit and join the treatment system. However, if they use the substance again with the thought 'Nothing happens from just once' during the period they have quit, they re-enter the vicious cycle.
Some drugs carry the risk of addiction even with a single use. After the first use, the person faces withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, since they have overcome the initial fear by trying the substance, it becomes easier for them to turn to the substance a second time. After a single use, the person learns the sources from which they can obtain the substance, the places they can use it, and the methods of use, thus alarm signals start ringing for the second use.
Using a substance once is a precursor to using it many times, so even a person who uses a substance once carries the risk of becoming addicted.
Addiction is a risky game. We cannot know who will become addicted after how many uses and when.