Progression Towards Teen Addiction
Progression
Addiction can be described a progressive disease. Most times we don’t recognize when our use turns into abuse which turns into full fledge addiction.
We usually start out in the “Experimental stage” which includes short-term use, not repetitive, motivated by wanting a new experience. An example of this is a teenager trying something with a friend. This would include anything less than ten uses. “Ritual” use includes using at special occasions such as weddings or birthdays. “Social” use pertains to voluntary use in-group settings, such as at a party. This includes using more than ten times. “Situational” use is patterned, stress relieving use, motivated by achieving a particular feeling, such as using every Saturday night. “Intensified” use is when we use because it is necessary to cope, changes in relationships occur, there are some negative consequences and using every day.
Labels: addiction, experimental-drug-use, situational-drug-use, social-drug-use, teen-addiction
2 Comments:
i was very fortunate in getting sober young, but it is hard for young people because we tell ourselves it was just a "phase". as a youngster, i had this image of dying from drugs, and that i only have 1 life to live so why not do it the way i want. my whole life at the time was based on getting high whenever i could. it first it was the experimental stage, then it became a daily habit. i once was in sports and was a pretty smart kid, but after drugs i quit sports and school. i gave up on myself and was only concerned with getting drugs. thanks for the post, i really relate.
true.. unless you are suicidal you wouldnt go straight into something. bottom line.. you have to want the feeling of that "high".. you have to like it and you either do or you dont.
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