Drug Abuse

Stages of juvenile drug use

Several stages of drug use and their characteristics have been described. Progression through the stages seems to be accelerated in juveniles when compared to adult drug abusers.

• Experimental use -- typically involves peers, recreational use; the user may enjoy defying parents or other authority figures.
• Regular use -- increased school or work absenteeism; worries about loosing source; uses drugs to "remedy" negative feeling; begins to isolate from friends and family; may change peer group to others who are regular users; and takes pride in noting increased tolerance and ability to "handle" the drug.
• Daily Preoccupation -- loss of motivation; indifference towards school and work; behavior changes become evident; preoccupation with drug use supersedes all prior interests including relationships; secretive behavior; may begin dealing drugs to help support habit; use of other, harder drugs may increase, legal complications may increase.
• Dependency -- cannot face daily routine without aid of drugs; continued denial of problem; deteriorating physical condition; loss of "control" over use; may become suicidal; financial and legal complications worsen; and may have severed ties with family members or friends by this time.