+ Do's and Don'ts For Concerned Parents
+ Chemically Dependent Adolescent Defined
+ Stages of the Co-Dependent Family
+ Self-Assessment
+ Links for Parents
Stages in the Development of Chemical Dependency
I. Phase of Introduction and Experimentation (95% of All Adolescents)
A. Initial use is frequently an unplanned social event and is a
“rite of passage” from childhood to adolescence.
B. Tolerance is low – it is easy to get high.
C. A euphoria of intoxication is a highly significant experience
for certain adolescents.
II. Learning Phase of Social/Recreational Use
A. Beer and marijuana become incorporated into the adolescents
way of life.
B. “Good Times” are anticipated and planned
C. Frequency of use increases
D. Consumption increases with increasing tolerance.
E. Whatever problems ensue as the result of chemical use are
rationalized and accepted as being “worth it.”
F. There may be minor experimentation with other drugs.
III. Phase of Harmful Involvement
A. Surreptitious use of alcohol or marijuana.
B. Blackouts.
C. Preoccupation with the euphoria of intoxication.
D. Inability to stop when peers do.
E. Week night use or use outside of a social contact.
F. Feelings of guilt.
G. Development of a “denial system”, i.e. alibis, rationalization,
minimization, excuses, etc.
H. Unwillingness to discuss the problem.
IV. Unequivocal Chemical Dependency
A. Chemicals are used to release feelings of anger, fear,
frustration, insecurity, etc.
B. Preoccupation with chemical use.
C. Solitary use.
D. Attempts to control use fail.
E. Increased tolerance.
F. Hidden bottles and stash.
G. School performance deficit.
1. School grades drop
2. Tardiness, class cutting and truancy
3. Extra curricular activities dropped
4. Inability to concentrate falls asleep in class
5. Intoxicated or hung over while in school
6. Unexplained visits to nursing office
7. Loss of “straight” friends – new friends all use
H. Money and job problems.
I. Trouble with the law. (DWI, possession, theft, etc.)
J. Grandiosity and unreasonable resentment.
K. May be dealing.
L. Increasing family dysfunction.
M. Geographic “cures” – relocate to other school or
communities.
V. In Stage Dependency
A. Total loss of control of alcohol/drug use. (Chemicals are
now used to feel “normal”)
B. Total alienation from the family.
C. Neglect of physical appearance.
D. High for days on end.
E. Loss of tolerance.
F. Impaired thinking and unreasonable fears.
H. Physical health problems, i.e. weight loss, abdominal pains,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
I. School dropped.
J. Overpowering quilt, low self-esteem and self loathing.
K. Overdose and suicide.
L. Defeat and surrender.
Also See:
Chemical Dependency Defined
Observable Adolescent Behavior
