Signs and Symptoms-Levels of Use for Teenagers
Level 1:Non-Use
No experience with chemicals
Level 2:Use
First experience with alcohol or other drugs
Lack of parental knowledge (either alone or with friends)
Low tolerance
First episode of chemical high
First hangover
Level 3: Misuse
Tolerance increases
Pattern of use begins to develop
Starts devising reasons for using (to impress friends, to relax, to socialize)
Weeknight use is exception
Level 4: Abuse
Tolerance continues to increase
Rituals for using are established
Begins to acquire and use drug paraphanelia
Starts anticipating and planning chemical use
Becomes more ingenious about hiding use
Begins solitary use
Modifies self-imposed rules
Makes repeated promises to quit or cut down
Daily use is exception
Blackouts begin
Level 5: Addiction
Tolerance continues to increase until late stages,
Withdrawal symptoms occur
Can no longer predict how much or the outcome once use begins
Establish more rituals which are more rigid (a.m., before school, lunch period, etc.)
Binge use occurs-high for 2 or more days
Exhibits grandiose and aggressive behavior
Obsessed with chemicals and constant supply
Becomes more careless about hiding drugs and paraphernalia
Solitary use increases
Abandons self-imposed rules
Makes repeated efforts to control or reduce excessive use
Suicide plans or thoughts
Criminal behavior is common
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