What is the cycle of addiction in teens?

  1. In the initial stage, teens experiment or are encouraged to take part by other peers or by watching people that they admire or associate with (this can be adults or other teens.)

    In this early stage, the teen has control over whether or not the use drugs and/or alcohol.  They are using “for fun” and because they enjoy how it makes them feel.   Some negative consequences become apparent.

  2. In the middle stage of the teen addiction cycle, there begins to be more frequent and severe consequences for their drug and alcohol use.

    They begin to use more, and often drugs and alcohol are used to mitigate emotional and physical pain.  They are losing control over their use.

    At this point they feel uncomfortable when they aren’t drinking or using drugs on a regular basis.

    Teens in this stage may also be experiencing a mental preoccupation with drugs and alcohol, and may be emotional depressed or numb.

  3. In the final stage, drugs and alcohol are used to such a degree that blackouts are frequent.  Severe physical, psychological and social consequences are now apparent.  They no longer have any control over when and where they use drugs and alcohol.

    Tragically, suicide and accidental death may occur.

    Research has also shown that whether a teen will move through the steps is a very complicated issue.  Some teenagers may experiment, and then quit of their own accord, never using again.  Others may move rapidly through each step.

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