Chemical Dependency and the Dysfunctional Family

Teen drug and alcohol use is a widespread problem. According to a 1998 study, over two million Americans between the ages of twelve and seventeen—almost 10 percent— reported having used drugs at least once.

Though most teens start taking drugs to relax or to get high, many eventually become addicted. In other words, they use drugs or alcohol because they have become chemically dependent on them. Quitting becomes very difficult because it leads to painful withdrawal symptoms, which are discussed in chapter 5.