Which of the following is NOT a stage in the addiction cycle?

The correct answer identifies "Recovery" as not being a stage in the addiction cycle, which focuses on the progression of substance use and its associated behaviors rather than the outcome of overcoming addiction.

The addiction cycle typically consists of three primary stages: Binge/intoxication, Preoccupation/anticipation, and Withdrawal/negative affect. Binge/intoxication involves the intense pleasurable experience that comes from using a substance. Preoccupation/anticipation occurs when an individual starts to think compulsively about using the substance again, often leading to planning for the next use. Withdrawal/negative affect refers to the negative emotional and physiological symptoms that arise when a person reduces or stops substance use, which can drive the individual back into use.

Recovery, while a critical and significant part of the overall journey for individuals dealing with substance use disorders, is not defined as part of the cyclical nature of addiction itself. It represents a phase outside the cyclical pattern of addiction where individuals repair and rebuild their lives after overcoming addiction. This distinction is key in understanding addiction not strictly as a linear path but rather as a challenging cycle that individuals may find themselves in multiple times throughout their lives.