Drug and alcohol abuse can develop at any stage of a person’s life. Abusing addictive substances can lead to a life-threatening addiction.
People may begin using drugs or alcohol as teens or young adults. They may use addictive substances out of curiosity, to fit in with peers, or to cope with emotional discomfort. Over time, they may develop physical dependence or addiction.
Most young adults who develop an addiction need help to stop using drugs or alcohol. Young adult rehab programs must provide comprehensive care to help people overcome the complex emotional and physical roots of their substance use.
If you or a young adult in your life struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health now to learn about our specialized treatment programs for young adults in Pompano Beach, FL. You may also verify your insurance or schedule an intake assessment.
What is a Young Adult Drug Rehab?
Rehab programs for young adults include specialized treatment programs for people in a specific age group. These programs offer a variety of therapies and support to teens and young adults seeking treatment for substance abuse.
Young adult rehab programs help young people identify and treat the roots of their substance use. They can help people put drug and alcohol use in the past and work toward a healthier, more balanced future.
Young Adults and Addiction: What is the Connection?
Growing into adulthood can be challenging. Young people may begin to use drugs and alcohol during their teens and early adulthood for many reasons.
Self-medication
“Self-medicating” means using drugs or alcohol to manage stress or symptoms of mental health disorders. Young adults often have to manage many things at once: finding a job, paying bills, living independently, navigating new relationships, and more.
Some may feel overwhelmed by stress, depression, or anxiety. When emotional pain overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, they may turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. This can lead to addiction.
Experimentation
Some young people may feel pressured to drink or use drugs in social situations. They may experiment with substance use to fit in with a new group of peers.
Euphoria
Many addictive drugs cause users to feel euphoria. Euphoria is a wave of intense pleasure, warmth, and well-being. These feelings can make people want to use more of a substance. Over time, they may develop a physical dependence on them.
Better performance
Young adults may use certain substances to increase their ability to perform. They may use stimulants to study for longer periods. Or, they might take other performance-enhancing drugs to enhance their athletic ability.
Many performance-enhancing drugs are highly addictive. Using these drugs–even casually–may lead to physical dependence and addiction.
What Drugs Do Young Adults Abuse?
Young adults use a wide variety of addictive substances. Some of the most common drugs young adults use include:
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Inhalants
- Hallucinogenic drugs
- Prescription medications
- Heroin
Using these drugs can lead to addiction. It can cause short and long-term harm to your health and well-being. It is crucial to recognize the signs of a substance use disorder and seek an addiction treatment program as soon as possible.
Do I Need Young Adult Rehab?
Research suggests that about 1 in 7 young adults are struggling with a substance use disorder. Recognizing the signs of substance abuse and addiction can help you realize the need for help.
Common signs of substance abuse and addiction include:
- Using drugs and alcohol more often
- Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
- Isolating or only spending time with people who abuse drugs and alcohol
- Lying or hiding your substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using drugs or alcohol
- Neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol but feeling like you can’t quit
Young adults struggling with addiction must seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid more severe consequences of addiction.
What Happens in a Young Adult Rehab?
A doctor or addiction specialist will assess your needs and recommend inpatient rehab or outpatient care. If you need inpatient rehab, you will live in the treatment center while receiving 24/7 care.
Addiction treatment programs include a combination of therapies. These therapies can help you overcome substance abuse and avoid relapse.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Assessment and screenings
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Individual and group therapy
- Medications to decrease the risk of relapse
- Medical care
- Mental health treatment
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning, including referrals to sober living, support groups, and other recovery programs
Young adult rehab programs focus on transitioning into adulthood without drugs and alcohol. People receive specialized therapy focusing on improving resilience, communication skills, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Find a Young Adult Rehab Center Near You
If you or a loved one need a young adult rehab in Pompano Beach, contact the team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more. Our specialized programs will give you the community, tools, and treatment you need to build a healthier, sober future.
