Drug and alcohol abuse can impact every part of a person’s life. Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) and require treatment to overcome it. SUD can impact anyone at any age. However, young adults face unique challenges and pressures that increase their risk of substance abuse.
This article will explore the connection between young adulthood and substance use.
What you will learn:
- Why young adults are at increased risk of developing SUD
- The most common substances young adults abuse
- What to expect in a young adult rehab program
- How to determine if you require young adult treatment
- Where to find a young adult rehab center in San Antonio
If you or a young adult in your life struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive treatment and support programs. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake by reaching out today.
Young Adults and Substance Abuse: Understanding the Issue
Young adulthood can be full of opportunities and challenges. Many people find the responsibilities and freedoms of this life stage to be overwhelming. Some people may experiment with drugs and alcohol during this stage for a range of reasons.
Experimentation
Young adults may face peer pressure or encouragement to use drugs or drink with peers. They may experiment with addictive substances out of curiosity or to fit in with a new social group.
Euphoria
Many drugs and alcohol can cause feelings of euphoria. Substances causing these feelings of intense pleasure, warmth, and well-being can be addictive. People may want to use them more often or take higher doses. Over time, physical dependence can develop.
Self-medication
Using drugs or alcohol to manage stress or symptoms of mental health disorders is called “self-medication.” Young adults may use addictive drugs or alcohol to cope with the stressors of young adulthood, such as finding a job, navigating new relationships, and managing life tasks independently.
Young adults may also use drugs or alcohol to manage the symptoms of a new or worsening mental health condition. Substance use may temporarily relieve symptoms but can worsen these conditions and lead to a life-threatening addiction in the long run.
Enhance performance
Young adults may use certain drugs to enhance athletic or academic performance. While many young adults see this as a harmless way to boost performance, drug use can lead to dangerous effects, including addiction.
Young adults may underestimate the risk of developing addiction. However, even casual substance use can quickly spiral into a life-threatening physical dependence.
If you or a loved one abuses drugs or alcohol, seek treatment right away. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore your treatment options.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs Among Young Adults
Young adults may abuse a wide range of addictive drugs or alcohol. Some of the most common drugs young adults use include:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogenic drugs
- Heroin
- Inhalants
- Marijuana
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Prescription medications (including opioids)
These and other addictive substances can cause short and long-term harm to a person’s health, safety, emotional well-being, and more. It is critical to recognize the signs of addiction and seek specialized treatment as quickly as possible.
What is a Young Adult Drug Rehab?
Young adult rehab programs specialize in addressing SUD among teens and younger adults. These programs offer a variety of therapies and support for people in this specific age group.
Young adult rehab programs can help people identify and address the complex roots of their substance use. They provide targeted therapies and specialized support programs to address the unique concerns and interests of this population.
A young adult SUD treatment plan may include:
- Assessment, diagnostic testing, and screenings
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of relapse
- Medical care, if needed
- Mental health treatment
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning, including referrals to sober living, community support groups, and other treatment
Young adult rehab programs support people during the transition into adulthood. Mental health and medical professionals provide tailored support to help young adults improve resilience, develop healthier relationships, and build healthier coping skills.
Targeted addiction treatment for young adults can help people put addiction in the past and move forward into a healthier future.
Do I Need Young Adult Rehab?
Research from 2023 suggests that over 27% of people between the ages of 18 and 25 live with SUD. Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step in getting help to overcome it.
Some common signs of substance abuse and addiction include:
- Using drugs and alcohol more often
- Developing tolerance (needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects)
- Isolating or only spending time with others who abuse drugs and alcohol
- Lying, hiding, or being secretive about substance use
- Using slang terms for drugs or alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using drugs or alcohol
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Legal, financial, or social trouble related to substance use
- Losing control of substance use (not being able to cut back or stop, even when substance abuse causes significant harm)
It can be challenging to overcome substance use. Getting tailored treatment and support makes it possible to leave substance abuse in the past. Contact the team at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore your treatment options or to find recovery resources.
Find a Young Adult Rehab in San Antonio
If you or a young adult in your life struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find specialized treatment and support for young adults at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule your first appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023
