e described as the continuous, uncontrollable or compulsive use of chemicals without regard to the ill effects it may have on ones life (Shiromoto 2). Chemical dependency and or addiction is a disease because it is: primary illness, not a symptom of social emotional problems; progressive, meaning it gets worse if it is not treated; it is a chronic illness, it will not go away; and without the aid of treatment, it will certainly destroy the individual’s life (Shiromoto 16). Some signs of dependence and or addiction are the following. The user has a preoccupation with the drug, he or she is constantly thinking or craving it. They very often maintain an uninterrupted supply. When the user is addicted or depending on the drug, he or she will have an increased tolerance meaning that they need a higher dose for the same effect. Some physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms are ill, depressed, anxiety, panic attacks, denial and severe physical pain (Shiromoto 3). Early initiation of any negative behavior generally predicts that other problems will follow. Substance abuse is closely related to delinquency, and almost all of the incarcerated youths report the use of drugs. Healy alcohol, smoking, and marijuana use appear to occur with early-unprotected intercourse. Dropouts appear to be involved with sex, drugs, and violence to a much greater degree than enrolled high school students. Falling behind is associated with these behaviors also (Dryfoos 33). Crime and drugs go hand in hand. Personality decreases with drug usage and users feel increasingly disassociated from the world in which they live, and drugs among the youth become a more costly and major problem. Much juvenile distress appears to grow out of the drug business. Much of the problem comes from experiencing with gateway drugs (http://narconon.org/html/soln1/sol4.htm). Tobacco is a gateway drug, it teaches smoking skills. It is like training wheels for marij...
