Young Adult Drug Rehab

Addiction Treatment And Rehab For Young Adults

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.

The drugs most commonly abused by young adults include:

• Prescription drugs
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Inhalants
• Hallucinogenic drugs
• MDMA/Molly

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.

In response to a nationwide drug epidemic, treatment programs are opening their doors across the nation to help those in need. Some even specialize in services tailored to addiction in young adults.

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. 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.

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.

Featured Centers Offering Addiction Treatment For Young Adults

Types Of Inpatient Treatment For Young Adults

Addiction treatment for young adults can take place in various settings. Generally, the type of drug, length of use and several other factors play a role in determining the quality of treatment.

Inpatient treatment involves a structured, 24-hour medically supervised environment. Since programs are offered in different lengths of stay, you’ll be able to focus on specific issues and recovery skills. At the beginning of treatment, an addiction treatment provider will work with you to develop a recovery plan and set clinical milestones. During your stay, you can work on your goals in a safe, supportive environment.

30, 60, and 90-day Programs

Several of the most common types of inpatient rehab include 30, 60 and 90-day programs. After entering a residential facility, you will go through intake and evaluation, detox, individual therapy, group therapy and continuing care. Less severe cases of dependency may only require 30 days, whereas more serious addictions can take longer. Some people start out with a 30-day program and then choose to extend their stay for additional guidance.

Sober Living Homes

To help you adjust to everyday life after inpatient rehab, sober living homes offer a place to stay while maintaining your sobriety. Also called halfway houses, these facilities help you gradually get back to a regular routine at your own pace. Living with peers who have faced the same challenges as you can be encouraging and foster lifelong friendships. While not as strict as inpatient facilities, sober living homes have curfews, mandatory group meetings and other requirements.

Ongoing Recovery And Support Groups

Treatment doesn’t end when you walk out of rehab. It takes time and commitment to stay sober. That’s why there are recovery programs and support groups that provide ongoing assistance and accountability. Some groups are geared toward specific genders and addictions, whereas others may provide general meetings for anyone to attend.

Advantages Of Young Adult Inpatient Rehab

An inpatient rehab that is for young adults has many advantages. Typically, these facilities have addiction specialists on staff who understand the physical, emotional and behavioral issues that young adults often face.

Some of the primary benefits of inpatient rehab for young adults are:

• Specialized counseling: Young adults may face different challenges and stressors than older adults do. Counselors in an inpatient rehab teach you how to cope with various triggers that are common among this age group.
• Connecting with sober peers: Individuals who are part of your inpatient rehab program have overcome many of the same obstacles as you. Take the time to develop strong, sober friendships that offer a support system during good days and difficult ones.
• Different types of therapy: Inpatient therapies are developed based on common preferences of young adults. Types of therapy available may include music, theater, exercise, yoga and meditation, equestrian and anything else in-between.
• Social skills development: An addiction can negatively impact the emotional development of a young adult. Addiction treatment providers work with you to instill social skills that will help you throughout your adulthood both personally and professionally.

Obstacles For Young Adults Entering Addiction Treatment

The thought of seeking treatment for an addiction may seem frightening. Questions may start running through your mind like how to take time off of work, what your friends and family will think, and how to pay for it.

Although you may be worried about work obligations, employers want their staff to be happy. You are most productive when you are in a stable and healthy place in life. Set up a time to speak with someone in your human resources department about time off policies and taking a leave of absence. Most employers are willing to work with your schedule to ensure you have sufficient time to focus on your recovery. Even if your employer is unwilling to work with you, your priority should be on getting treatment and helping secure a healthy, successful future.

It’s important to not overwhelm yourself with “what if” thoughts. These beliefs can quickly spiral out of control and cause more damage than good. Getting professional help for an addiction doesn’t make you weak or mean you’ve failed. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It takes strength and courage to overcome an addiction. Treatment provides the path to create a better life for yourself.

Choosing An Inpatient Rehab For Young Adults

While researching inpatient rehab options, don’t settle on a program just because it’s cheaper or closer to you. Rehab comes in many different forms, from basic room and board services to an abundance of amenities and activities.

Ask yourself some of these questions before deciding on a treatment program:

• What types of therapy are offered?
• Do they treat specific forms of addiction?
• What does a typical day look like?
• How do they prepare you for life outside of treatment?
• What amenities are provided?
• Are ongoing recovery and support groups offered?
• What are the costs involved? Do they accept insurance or have a payment plan?
• What are the success rates of those that have completed the program?
• Do they treat co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety?

Finding The Right Treatment

Exploring options for addiction treatment requires an open mind. Sometimes the right program will be down the street, while other times, it may be thousands of miles away. Rather than limit yourself to a facility in-state, check out top-rated rehabs around the country and explore options.

This is your life and your recovery. Don’t sell yourself short. Contact a treatment provider to find a treatment center.