The Talk You Haven't Had Yet A Parent's Guide to College Drug & Alcohol Risk
Part 2 of 8

"How Does It Get to That Point?"

Nobody sets out to become dependent. The body drifts there in a fairly predictable sequence — and each step is something you can notice.

The four-step drift toward dependence

1

Tolerance

The body adapts, so the same amount produces less effect. They start needing more to feel what they used to feel.

2

Psychological Dependence

The substance becomes an emotional coping tool — for stress, boredom, anxiety — not just a social choice.

3

Physical Dependence

The body now needs the substance to feel "normal." Biology has adapted around its presence.

4

Withdrawal Illness

Stopping causes real physical symptoms — irritability, shaking, nausea — sometimes serious enough to need medical care.

Two parents sitting at a kitchen table, gently talking with their teenage daughter
Each step in the sequence is noticeable — which means each step is a chance to step in early.
Don't wait for step four

Physical dependence isn't required for something to be serious. Someone can be deep in psychological dependence without a single physical symptom. Don't wait for step four to take step two seriously.