Young people who are using substances face a different set of challenges that may contribute to their addictions. This is one of the many reasons why they need a specific type of treatment program to help them get on the path to sobriety. Programs geared towards treating young adult addiction will know what tools are needed to help this age group overcome their specific challenges. We’re going to explore what specific factors lead young adults to use substances and how rehab programs, like those offered at Ember Recovery, can help this demographic tackle their unique issues.
What Leads Young Adults to Use Substances?
Several factors can cause young adults to use substances. These include:[1]
Peer Pressure
Many young people may feel pressured to use substances to feel as though they are part of the crowd. When they see their peers using substances, it may look like it’s something normal that they should do if they want to be accepted. What they may not see are the dangerous consequences that can come with using substances. What starts as “just experimenting” can quickly turn into an addiction as young adults need more of a substance to get the same effect.
Some young people may be more prone to peer pressure if they value peer acceptance and want to avoid rejection. They may also feel like using substances is just something that is expected of their age group.[2] This is something that older adults may not specifically deal with.
School and Work Stress
Young adults may face stress at school and work that may cause them to use substances. They may feel as though these substances can release the stress they are feeling and help them to calm down. In reality, these substances are doing more bodily harm. Using substances can make it more difficult for young people to complete their schoolwork or their job responsibilities.
Family History
A family history of substance use also contributes to young people using substances. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the single most reliable indicator for the risk of future alcohol or drug dependence is family history.[3] Many young people form opinions about substances by those closest to them. If they see others use, they may be more prone to do the same if they accept this as normal behavior.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse childhood experiences also increase a young person’s risk of addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control, experiences such as abuse, poverty, and loneliness can all contribute to a person’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.[4] The more of these experiences a person has, the more health issues, such as substance abuse, they will face as well.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can also lead a young person to use substances. Statistics show that nearly half of young adults, ages 12-20, who were admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a mental health condition had a dual diagnosis.[5] A dual diagnosis occurs when someone is battling a substance use problem and a mental health issue at the same time. Sometimes, the mental health issue leads to substance use or vice versa. Either way, it’s best to receive treatment for both simultaneously to have the greatest chance of success.
How Rehab Programs Help Treat Young Adult Addiction
Rehab programs help to treat young adult addiction by zeroing in on the issues that affect them the most. By understanding the triggers that caused them to use drugs or alcohol, they can know what they should avoid to remain sober. They will learn coping mechanisms that help them deal with these triggers in the most productive ways possible.
When young people use drugs and alcohol, it can suppress their emotions. So, when they are no longer using these substances, they are forced to face these emotions head-on. This can be difficult without proper support and may force some to revert to their old habits. However, having healthy support networks at a treatment center can help alleviate this problem.
Treatment programs also help young people understand their behaviors and what led to their addictions. This can help them avoid similar behavior and stay on track.
During a treatment program, young people may receive different therapies. This can include group, individual, and family therapy sessions. All of these are geared toward helping young people overcome their addictions and give them the coping skills they need when they finish their program.
Seek Help for Young Adult Addiction at Ember Recovery
Ember Recovery provides substance use treatment for adolescents ages 12-18 as well as young adult males ages 18-24. Ember Recovery provides the first and only addiction treatment program in Iowa, specifically for young adult males. This program not only focuses on the impact a substance use disorder has had on a young adult but also their loved ones. We also focus on co-occurring conditions such as mental health issues. We know that treating these conditions simultaneously gives patients the best shot at recovery.
At Ember Recovery, we know that each client’s needs are different and that they need specific treatment plans. We get to know each client to tailor a treatment plan that is made just for them. Often, this includes different therapies and opportunities to strengthen family relationships.
When young people enter our program, the treatment lasts approximately 30 to 45 days. We also provide long-term recovery options to give patients the ongoing counseling and mentoring they need to live happy and productive lives.
We also offer scholarships for our clients to pursue higher education. They also have a chance to learn about essential life skills that will help them be successful once their program is complete.
Contact us today to learn more about our program for young adult addiction and how Ember Recovery can help you overcome your substance use disorder.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921# [2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peer-pressure-drugs#peer-pressure-and-drug-use [3] https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month [4] https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/fastfact.html [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9955022/#
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.