Young adulthood is a vulnerable time for many people. It is a period of intense brain development that does not end until a person is about 25 years old. During this stage, people may leave high school and begin to shape an adult life that may include more school, work, new relationships, and more. They also start to take on the financial, social, and other responsibilities of adulthood.
Drug and alcohol abuse is common during this stage. Young adults may use substances to deal with stress, fit in with peers, or for their desirable effects. Substance abuse at this stage may quickly spiral into a serious problem, including addiction.
Alcohol and drug rehab programs provide support and treatment for people living with substance use disorder (SUD). Specialized young adult rehab programs can help people in this life stage overcome substance abuse and work toward a healthier future.
This article will explore what to expect in a young adult rehab program.
- The connection between substance abuse and young adulthood
- What to expect from inpatient rehab and outpatient programs
- How to recognize the need for treatment
- Where to find treatment
If you are one of the millions of young adults in the United States struggling with substance abuse, find comprehensive young adult rehab programs in Florida at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Young Adult Rehab?
Rehab programs for young adults include treatment programs that address the unique concerns of this age group. People may attend inpatient or outpatient programs. Young adult rehab programs offer targeted, evidence-based support for older teens and young adults living with substance use disorder (SUD).
Young adult rehab programs help young people explore and address the complex roots of their substance use. These programs help people put drug and alcohol use in the past and work toward a healthier, more balanced future.
Young Adults and Substance Abuse: Understanding the Connection
Many aspects of adult life can be challenging. Young adults may start using drugs and alcohol for many reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons young adults might start to use addictive substances.
Experimentation
Some young adults may feel pressured to drink or use drugs in social situations. They may experiment with substance use to fit in with friends.
Euphoria
Many addictive drugs cause euphoria, which is a wave of warmth, pleasure, and intense well-being. Drugs causing euphoria can cause people to want to use them more often. People who abuse these substances may develop a physical dependence on them.
Self-medication
Young adults often face new challenges during this life stage. They may struggle to find work, face changes in their relationships, have financial pressures, and more. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with increased stress. This is called “self-medicating,” and it can lead to addiction.
Young adults may also begin to develop new or worsening symptoms of a mental illness. Many mental health conditions develop during a person’s later teen and early adult years. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, some young people may self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Commonly-Abused Substances Among Young Adults
Surveys show that young adults abuse a wide range of addictive substances. Some of the most common drugs young adults use include:
- Alcohol
- Prescription medications
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Marijuana
- Inhalants
- Hallucinogenic drugs
Abusing these and other addictive substances can have short and long-term consequences. People can quickly develop a life-threatening addiction to them. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of substance abuse or addiction.
Do I Need Rehab?
Research suggests that about 1 in 7 young adults meet the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD). Recognizing the signs of substance abuse can help you get help sooner.
Common signs of substance abuse and addiction include:
- Using drugs and alcohol more often
- Tolerance (needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects)
- Isolating or spending all of their time with a new group of friends
- Lying or hiding their substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using drugs or alcohol
- Neglecting their responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol but discovering it is very challenging
Compassionate, evidence-based treatment can help young adults overcome the complex roots of their substance abuse. Treatment can give people the support they need to work toward a healthier future.
What to Expect in Rehab for Young Adults
Knowing what to expect during rehab can help you feel more confident asking for help. Before you begin rehab, a doctor or addiction specialist will assess your needs by conducting a substance abuse evaluation.
Your doctor will use this information to determine whether inpatient treatment or outpatient rehab would be more effective. If you need inpatient care, you will live in the treatment center while receiving round-the-clock supervision and care.
Addiction treatment programs in Florida for young adults include a combination of evidence-based therapies. These therapies can help you overcome substance abuse and give you the skills to avoid relapse.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Assessment and screenings
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Individual and group therapy
- Treatment and education for family members
- Medications to decrease the risk of relapse
- Medical care
- Mental health treatment
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning
After completing rehab, people must continue their recovery by following an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan may include sober living, support groups, other recovery programs, and other recovery-related activities.
Young adult rehab programs focus on transitioning into adulthood without using addictive substances. People receive specialized therapy focusing on improving resilience, healthy relationships, life skills, and other areas of young adulthood.
Find Addiction Treatment for Young Adults in Florida
If you or a young adult in your life requires addiction treatment, you are not alone. Explore compassionate, effective treatment programs for young adults by contacting The Best Treatment specialists today.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Mental Illness and Substance Use in Young Adults
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Evidence-Based Treatment for Young Adults with Substance Use Disorders
