Not all youth that experiment with alcohol or other drugs complete the journey to addiction where getting high is the only thing in life. If a youth is obsessively seeking and using a drug despite experiencing significant negative consequences resulting from the use of the drug, that youth is most likely addicted.
Once addicted, acquiring and using the drug becomes the most important activity in the youth’s life and a great deal of time and energy is expended in achieving this goal. Relationships are usually damaged or destroyed and the youth’s ability to function effectively in the community is severely diminished. The addicted youth may also feel alone and isolated from the people around them, including school mates, family members, and friends. Once addicted, it is extremely difficult for youths to manage their life and the ability to be honest with themselves or others. Rational thinking is severely reduced. They will often say anything, to themselves or others (e.g., minimize, or deny drug use), in efforts to avoid problems or absolve themselves of responsibility/accountability for their behaviors.
Addiction comes with serious consequences and not only affects the youth but also affects those around them, such as family, friends, etc. As parents and family members it is important to understand the indicators/red flags, of addiction. According to the diagnostic criteria found in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV-Text Revision, 2000) of the American Psychiatric Association, there are seven indicators of addiction; three or more must occur at any time within the same 12-month period.
• a decreased high after continued use of the ‘same’ amount of the drug and consequently needing more of the drug to achieve the same high or effect (e.g., needing to drink more alcohol to get drunk)
• when you stop or reduce using the drug, clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning occurs
• loss of control in limiting intake of the addictive substance
• the drug is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
Unsuccessful attempts at quitting
• a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drug use
• a great deal of time is spent in obtaining or using the drug
Valued activities are abandoned or reduced because of drug use
• important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of drug use
• e.g., continued use despite the recognition that school grades are dropping or you are becoming negatively involved with the law; continued use despite a progressive reduction in your quality of life
Teenagers can be very insightful. When asked the question “How do you know you are addicted or you are becoming addicted?”, A group of addicted youth that were participating in an “Early Recovery/Relapse Prevention” group answered with the following:
1. When your life revolves around drugs.
2. When you can’t stop using.
3. When you lose friends and self respect.
4. When you develop a high tolerance.
5. When you can’t go a day without using.
6. When you deprive yourself of basic needs such as eating and sleeping to use drugs.
7. When you give up everything for drugs.
It is interesting how closely these answers match some of the criteria set out by the DSM-IV. As parents, we need to become involved and take an active role in our child’s life. We need to talk to our children about addiction and the red flags of addiction. Ultimately, if you are suspicious that your child may be addicted to alcohol or other drugs, or, may be experimenting and beginning the journey down the slippery slope to addiction, take action.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
