There is a spiraling descending pattern to addiction, and most people are unaware of it.
We can often see it in others long before we can ever see the apple on our own head.
By the time most people become aware they are stuck in the pattern.
With most addictions it will begin like this.

• We experiment with a substance.
  
• The substance brings us joy, fun, or escape.
  
• We experience boredom, stress/anxiety or loss.
  
• We use the substance and it relieves the cause of our concern (there maybe no connection consciously, but we learned something).
  

The X Factor If a person is filled with anxiety, lives with deep resentments, harbors negative thoughts, is on the depressive side, is insecure emotionally, physically or mentally, or has developed little or no coping skills, the sense of ease and comfort that comes by using substances will have a more profound effect of the individual.
Because of our bodies ability to develop a tolerance to just about anything, the person seeking relief will eventually need to use more substance, or try a combination of substances to get the desired effect.
With higher dosages comes problems for most.

• Failure to perform expected social, economic responsibilities.
  
• Problems with the law.
  
• Financial Concerns.
  

Now using substances is creating concerns we began using substances to avoid.
More trouble means more using, which means more trouble.
blah, blah, blah.
This is one of the most common ways by which a addiction is developed but with infinite variations and characteristics.
The sufferer is often not aware of there self-centered behavior as substances have a way of shielding and numbing their ability to think clearly.
Denial is a classic of symptom of addiction.