Stages of Juvenile Drug Use

September 19th, 2008  |  Published by BRAHA Editor in Alcohol and Tobacco

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.

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

Support groups and counseling should be tried first — as with any other area of medicine, the least intensive treatment should be the starting point.

Comprehensive residential treatment programs monitor and address potential withdrawal symptoms/behaviors; incorporate behavior recognition and modification programs; include psychotherapeutic treatments both for the person (and perhaps family) and in group settings; have a prolonged after-care component; and facilitate peer support.

Drug addiction is a serious and complicated health condition that requires both physiological and psychological treatment and support.
CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

if concerned about the addictive potential of currently prescribed medications.
if concerned about possible drug abuse by self or a family member.
if interested in more information regarding drug abuse.
if seeking treatment of drug abuse for self or a family member.
Source: Shands Health Care
Site: http://www.shands.org/health/information/article/001945.htm

Published by: Editor BRAHA - editor@braha.net

ATTENTION: The publication of the material in this site is intended as a source for research and consulting by serving as a source of information for society and therefore has no commercial objectives.

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