The Disease of Addiction

• Addiction is the primary source of dysfunction.
• Dependency on alcohol and drugs is a highly complex, multi-faceted disease that is chronic and progressive.
• As the illness progresses, regular use becomes compulsive.
• As a mechanism for coping with life, the youth comes to depend on drugs causing impairment to their emotional, social, behavioural, intellectual, and spiritual development. The adolescent becomes dependant upon drugs and alcohol, instead of learning the skills of self-responsibility.
• Legal, emotional, behavioural, and social problems will usually not show consistent improvement until the chemical dependency is addressed.
• The rate at which the disease progresses is an individualized process. Loss of control may occur within a few months or the progression may take several years.
• Studies show that over 50 percent of deaths involving young people are related to accidents involving drugs and alcohol.
• The disease is chronic. Abstinence, combined with treatment, may result in successful remission of the disease. However, the vast majority of individuals who have experienced chemical dependency cannot safely return to the use of substances.
• There is a reciprocal relationship between family problems and the adolescent's chemical dependency. The recovery process must involve all family members.

• Use of drugs and alcohol becomes more regular.
• Increased tolerance to drugs and alcohol.
• Drugs and alcohol use becomes a way of communicating or relating to others.
• Decreased attention span.
• Low tolerance for frustration.

• Association with peers that habitually use drugs and alcohol.
• Truancy and decreased school performance.
• Lying about whereabouts and leisure activities.
• Using drugs and alcohol to escape reality.
• Increase in time spent using drugs and alcohol.
• Significant changes in personal appearance.
• Family begins to express concern.
• Confrontation with parents.
• Legal problems.
• Increased evidence of loss of control.

• Increased risk-taking behaviour.
• Serious legal problems.
• Increased dishonesty.
• Failed attempts to control or stop drug and alcohol use.
• Suspensions, expulsions, or dropping out of school.
• Obsession with drugs and alcohol use.
• Blaming others.
• Fears and anxieties increase.
• Increased rationalization and denial of behaviour.
• Blackouts.
• Increased withdrawal symptoms.
• Increased concern expressed by parents, teachers, and peers.
• Increased loss of self-esteem.
• Increased resentments.
• Isolating behaviour.
• Despair and self-hatred.
• Compulsive and regular drug and alcohol abuse.

When it comes to hiding drugs, alcohol or paraphernalia, adolescents are particularly skilled at finding places. Many parents have believed their homes were drug-free until a thorough search revealed otherwise. Drugs and paraphernalia can be hidden anywhere. Some articles may be quite obvious to you. Other items may seem to be quite innocent, when, in fact, they may be tools used to prepare, consume or store drugs.The following are lists of possible hiding places and paraphernalia:

• on top of ceiling tiles, air vents
• drawers, furniture
• under TVs, stereos
• in plug and light switch boxes
• in old shoes, boots, skates, clothing
• knapsacks, school bags, purses
• battery chambers of toys
• piggy banks
• cigarette packs
• under matresses and box springs
• stuffed animals, books
• deodorant, shampoo bottles, empty vials
• behind posters
• school lockers

• cigarette papers
• pipes
• burnt knives/flattened spoons
• razor blades
• small mirrors
• bottles with bottoms cut out
• empty vials
• empty alcohol bottles
• lighters
• plastic baggies
• bales of tobacco
• water bongs
• needles (any kind)
• safety pins
• straws
• pills
• 35mm film canisters
• propane torches
• aluminum foil
• empty pens