I'm only 16, Can I Really Be Addicted?

by Becca
(United States)

I just turned sixteen years old on May 4th and I'm having the time of my life. I've been noticing a few things though ... I'm always unhappy with myself so I lose my self to drugs or drinking. Last year I would take vicodin inbetween my classes. I'm guessing I'd take about eight a day. That went on for a few months.

When I ran out I'd do anything to get my high back, even if I had to lie or steal. I thought taking my Mom's pills that she no longer used was the best thing to do. Sometimes I wouldn't even know what I was taking. It was a pill, so I was happy. I started to drink too. I ended up getting caught and put on probation for three months.

Now I smoke weed on a daily basis. When I wake up I get high and before I go to bed I smoke more. My grades aren't slipping or anything like that and I'm friendlier than I've ever been though. Does this mean I'm addicted?

Alcoholism-and-Drug-Addiction-Help.com Answer

Hi Becca

You only have to visit some drug and alcohol rehabs around the country today, to realise how many people of your age are getting help for drug and alcohol problems. Sad but true.

So to answer your question, can you be addicted at 16? Absolutely. There's one thing using drugs and alcohol on a social basis, as many of your age unfortunately do. But taking 8 vicodin's a day and stealing etc. to make sure you can get your high, shows your using has gone beyond casual use, and progressed to dependence.

And while it may not be effecting your grades and school work yet, at some point it's going to catch up with you and everything is going to start falling apart. Your current friendliness will turn into depression or a host of other mental/emotional disorders, and life suddenly won't seem so much fun anymore.

You're obviously smart to be on a site like this, asking the question. So be smart now, do the right thing for yourself and your future. Come clean, own up to your parents, and do what you have to, to turn things around. Good Luck.

+1 Alcoholism-and-Drug-Addiction-Help.com