Stages of Adolescent Substance Abuse

Stage 1: Experimental/Social Use of Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral

check Uses drugs/alcohol occasionally (weekends, parties)
check Gets drugs/alcohol from friends; sometimes obtain parent’s alcohol
check Has no major changes in behavior (although they may lie about use, experience
moderate hangovers, or adults may find evidence)

Emotional or Mental

check Uses drugs/alcohol because of curiosity, peer pressure, rebellion, boredom, or as a social lubricant or as a way to experience pleasurable feelings
check Experiences a euphoria/intoxication and then returns to a normal state.

Stage 2: Purposeful Misuse of Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral

check Uses drugs/alcohol on a regular basis (several times a week or during the
daytime)
check Buys enough drugs/alcohol to be prepared for future use
checkExperiences a decline in school performance and attendance, mood swings,
lying/conning, change in appearance, increased family conflict, increased
rebellion, has straight and drug-using friends

Emotional or Mental

check Uses drugs/alcohol to cope with stress or uncomfortable feelings; experience pleasure; overcome feelings of inadequacy
check May begin to feel guilt, fear, shame about their drugs/alcohol use
check Experiences euphoria/intoxication and then return to a normal state

Stage 3: Habitual Use or Daily Preoccupation with Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral

check Engages in almost daily use and may use drugs/alcohol alone
check Has made unsuccessful efforts to control use
check May sell drugs to keep personal supply/may steal for money
check Steals, lies, or cons others to cover use; focused on obtaining and using
check Has poor school performance/attendance, no straight friends
check Has drugs/alcohol drug culture appearance, poor family relationships, personality changes

Emotional or Mental

check Experiences depression or uncomfortable feelings when not taking the drug
check May have suicidal thoughts/attempt when not using drugs
check Experiences shame and guilt, then use drugs/alcohol to maintain normal feelings
check After euphoria, experiences pain, depression, or discomfort

Physical

check Needs more substance to produce same effect

Stage 4: Dependency or Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral

check Uses drugs or alcohol daily or on a continuous basis
check May have run away from home
check Takes serious risks or engages in criminal behavior to obtain drugs
check Has had possible overdoses
check Has quit school or was expelled from school

Emotional or Mental

check Takes drugs to avoid depression or pain
check Is out of control with their drug use escape realities of daily living
check Experiences guilt, shame, remorse
check Has suicidal thoughts or attempts
check Has changes in personality
check Exhibits changing emotions (depression, irritability, aggression, irritation,
apathy)
check Experiences memory loss, flashbacks, paranoia, volatile mood swings, other
mental problems
check Takes drugs to feel normal; they are unlikely to experience euphoria
check Does not care about getting caught; they are focused on getting and using
drugs at any cost
check Focuses all interest on getting and using drugs

Physical

check Has blackouts
check Shows signs of physical deterioration (health problems, weight loss)
check Has poor physical appearance

What Can Parents Do?

What if the answer is “yes?” Your child is using alcohol and/or other drugs?

In a small percentage of cases, parents can work with their own kids to get them to stop. This might be easiest when the young person is just using occasionally, to have a good time.

Of course, the earlier you start talking to your children about alcohol and/or drugs, the better the chances are they won’t become involved with them.

If a child reaches the age of 20 without using alcohol, tobacco or marijuana, the probability is almost zero he or she will ever develop a serious drug problem.

If you have questions or concerns about alcohol, tobacco or other drug use in your child or family, call the Adolescent Resource Center at 586-5908. You will be able to talk to someone who can help give you good, confidential, and caring information.