Across the nation, many young adults struggle with addiction. The transition from childhood and teenage years to adulthood can be a challenge. Over the past several decades, substance abuse rates have continued to climb among individuals ages 18 to 30. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. While there’s been a rise in drug use among young adults, many are less likely to seek treatment on their own than older adults. Oftentimes, younger people won’t stop using a drug until they have an adverse effect from it. Even then, they might try to self-treat instead of looking for a treatment program. However, drug and alcohol rehab for young adults is possible.
Treatment centers that are tailored to specific audiences address the whole person, rather than focusing solely on the drug. In addition, young adult treatment programs typically provide unique amenities, therapies, and activities that are tailored to people in their late teens and twenties. Addiction doesn’t need to be a lifelong battle.
What Factors Contribute To Addiction In Young Adults?
Many times, young adults don’t realize the dependency or addiction risk of certain drugs. They may start using a certain substance without knowing or considering the repercussions. Drug and alcohol rehab for young adults will search for the root of the problem. Some of the reasons young adults may start to experiment with drugs include:
- Relieving stress: School and work can cause feelings of anxiety and distress. Drugs are sometimes used as an outlet to release some of the tension.
- Experimenting with peers: Young adults often enjoy the thrill and experience of trying new things. Many think there’s no harm in testing out something they’ve never had.
- Enhancing performance: There’s a feeling of wanting to be the biggest and best, whether it be professionally, academically or athletically. Certain drugs can improve performance and increase the likelihood of winning.
- Chasing euphoric feelings: Different substances create feelings of pleasure. People may begin to crave the euphoria caused by some drugs after only a few uses.
Drug use is seen as a small, harmless activity among young adults. The “it won’t happen to me” mindset can blur the seriousness of the situation. However, addiction can occur even after just one use. Over time, the brain stops producing certain chemicals and starts to depend on the substance to fulfill the void. Coming off harmful drugs, such as Heroin and Opioids, should be treated in a professional setting. A treatment center helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, provides relapse recovery tools and promotes lasting sobriety. You will also learn about ongoing recovery options and local support groups to stay motivated throughout your journey.
What Kinds Of Substances Are Teens Most Likely To Abuse?
Just like in college students, experimentation with drugs and alcohol is continuing to rise in teens, especially during their senior year of high school. Nearly half of all high school seniors in the U.S. try an illicit substance at least once by the time they graduate. Drugs that are being most commonly used and abused by teens and young adults are:
- Prescription drugs
- Hallucinogenic drugs
The increase in teen drug use has resulted in treatment centers all over the country creating treatment programs specifically for young adults. At Harmony Ridge, we know that treatment is not one-size-fits-all for drug and alcohol rehab for young adults. That’s why we have created a treatment program specifically for teens and young adults and their needs. Teen rehabs focus on young adult-specific issues and address them in a safe and welcoming environment.
Can You Prevent Teen Drug And Alcohol Abuse?
First of all, you need to know that most teens are choosing not to use substances. It’s simply not true that “everybody’s doing it.” What is true is that, as a parent, you have more influence than you probably realize. Talk with your kids about substance abuse. Prevention experts agree that having 60, one-minute conversations with your kids is much more impactful than having one, 60-minute conversation. So share meals together and ask about their day. Know their friends and the parents of their friends. Set expectations and consequences, and state clearly to your kids that you expect they will not use drugs. Then, back up your expectations by following through on the consequences.
Challenges Young Adults Face When Seeking Addiction Rehab
Seeking treatment for substance addiction can be stressful for young adults. Whether they have recently graduated from high school, are attending a university, or starting their profession, numerous young adults perceive addiction treatment as an immense obstacle that simply isn’t an option for them.
Additionally, seeking addiction treatment at a younger age could appear challenging because many young adult colleagues are still engaging in a party lifestyle. Becoming and staying sober while friends proceed to use substances can be very difficult. Some young adults could even decide not to seek addiction treatment due to concern their friends are judging them. Drug and alcohol rehab for young adults will teach necessary skills to build back a stronger life..
Another hurdle that young adults deal with when deciding to enlist the help of an addiction treatment program is that they’ll have to miss work or school for an extended period. This puts their education or profession on hold, which may be unappealing to young adults wanting to finish school or who have recently begun a new job.
All of these hurdles make seeking treatment challenging for numerous young adults. Fortunately, many addiction treatment centers offer young adult-oriented therapy programs to address these challenges and assist patients while they work through them. The treatment center might also offer specialized therapy that is catered to helping patients overcome these concerns while teaching them coping skills to re-enter the real world upon leaving treatment.
Regardless of the challenges young adults face regarding addiction treatment, it’s vital to understand that receiving help for addiction is a top priority. Seeking addiction treatment helps pave the way for a happier and more prosperous future for young adults suffering from addiction.
Drug And Alcohol Rehab For Young Adults
- 30, 60, and 90-day Programs — Most inpatient rehab programs will consist of a 30, 60, and 90-day treatment plan. Upon entering the residential facility, patients will go through the intake and evaluation process, followed by detox, individual and group therapy, and aftercare. Less severe cases of substance addiction usually only require 30 days, whereas more severe addictions may require a more extended stay. Some may begin with a 30-day program and then decide whether or not they need to extend their stay for further guidance.
- Sober Living Homes — To help patients adjust to daily life after inpatient rehab, sober living homes offer a safe, drug free environment to reside in. These facilities help patients progressively get back to a routine while living with peers who all face the same challenges. While not as intensive as inpatient facilities, sober living homes do have obligatory group meetings, curfews, and other conditions that must be met to stay there.
- Ongoing Recovery and Support Groups — Treatment doesn’t end upon leaving rehab. Staying sober requires patience and dedication. Those reasons are why recovery programs and support groups implement ongoing support and accountability. Some groups are geared toward specific addictions and genders, whereas others offer general meetings that anyone can attend.
Why Should I Go To A Drug And Alcohol Rehab For Young Adults?
An inpatient rehab tailored to the needs of young adults has many advantages. These facilities tend to address the physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that young adults often face better than other facilities because the specialists are specifically trained to handle teens and young adults. Sending a teen or a young adult to a treatment center that specializes in treating people their age has many advantages. Some of those advantages include:
- Specialized counseling
- Being able to connect with sober peers
- Different types of therapy
- Social skill development
Young adults think and act differently from adults. They tend to be treated differently from adults in society, so why shouldn’t they be treated differently when it comes to addiction treatment?
Are You Looking For A Drug And Alcohol Rehab For Young Adults?
As mentioned earlier, treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different people need different things to successfully undergo treatment, including teens and young adults. At Harmony Ridge, we understand this, which is why we offer treatment programs specifically designed for teens and young adults. If you or someone you know is a teen or young adult that is in need of substance abuse treatment, contact us today.