Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Teens: Drugs

Are there different degrees of drug abuse? Yes. Much like the different stages of alcoholism, drug use can be broken down to different phases that are characterized by the mindset and emotional health of the user and the frequency with which he uses. Drug use will usually follow four different stages, including:

The Experimental Stage: In this introductory stage, a curious teen wanting to fit in thinks to himself, “There’s no harm done in trying it once.” Prevention programs are aimed at reducing rates of these initial sampling experiences.

The Social Use Stage: In this second stage, substance abuse becomes a regular part of the teen’s social life because the drugs act as a “social lubricant” and they provide a sense of belonging to the crowd. Individuals at this stage are willing to do drugs even though they know they are illegal and disapproved of by parents and other authority figures. Usage is dictated by availability. Teens at this stage are at increased risk of accidents and disciplinary consequences because of an overall lack of self-control regarding hedonistic behaviors.

The Abuse Stage: This third stage is characterized by a teen who is preoccupied with drug use and whose addiction is well established. Usage becomes more predictable as a loss of control takes hold. A teen at this stage abandons previous relationships and activities as he increasingly focuses on the short term gratification of using and being with other users – he considers drugs and his drug-using friends to be the best parts of his life. Treatment is needed at this stage and can usually be accomplished on an outpatient basis.

The Addiction Stage: In this final stage, a teen’s life has become dominated by substance abuse and losses incurred from using. This stage is characterized by the user being socially isolated and resorting to criminal and/or violent behavior to score substances. He will drink or use alone and is 8 times more likely to commit suicide as his self-esteem plummets. Treatment is necessary for saving life and usually requires an inpatient stay at a hospital or other facility.