The adolescent makes attempts to cut back or quit but they are unable to stay clean and sober. Physical deterioration begins. Hiding and lying about drugs becomes more common. The adolescent feels more intensely isolated and alone. Parents, teachers, and even peers now openly express concern.
Chemical dependency halts emotional development.
To develop normally, a person must learn to use their feelings to give them energy and direction for problem solving. When alcohol or drugs consistently alter feelings, this is no longer possible. The major coping skill of the chemically dependent person is chemical use. Adolescent chemical dependency can occur extremely quickly, within weeks, because the child's emotional development is immature. Adolescents don't have the internal structure to bring themselves and their lives under control.