Addiction can begin at a young age when the brain is the most susceptible to influence from substances. Even young adults who are in their late teens and early twenties may still have a developing brain. When you add substances to the mix, the structure and function of the brain are altered. For some, it creates a destructive path towards addiction.
Addiction occurs for many reasons. If the young adult in your life is struggling with the use of substances of any type, seek out the guidance and support available to them. No matter when they started using substances or why, know that today, they can get help. Iron Bridge Recovery Center makes that possible.
The Brains of Young Adults Are at Risk
A recent study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that young adult drug use, in those between the ages of 19 and 30, is increasing. Specifically, more people in this age group are using marijuana and hallucinogens, reaching an all-time high. Vaping and alcohol use are also growing.
Teaching young people the science behind brain chemistry empowers them to make healthy choices. Instead of simply informing someone that “drugs are bad,” provide them with insight into why this is the case.
Substances put young brains at risk. Consistent use causes structural changes in the brain, leading to a physical and psychological demand for the substance that is hard to overcome without professional treatment.
The Stress Factor in Drug Addiction
Another core reason addiction develops in young adults is due to the high levels of stress they face. Even in middle school and early high school, young teens are expected to navigate a very complex world. They have the internet at their fingertips throughout the day, and they are easily susceptible to feeling judged and taken advantage of by people around the globe.
More so, many young adults do not have mechanisms in place just yet to manage high stress levels. Confrontations at home, with friends, or at school or work, especially as a younger adult, create a high risk of stress. Turning to substances may seem to offer some stress relief.
The best way around this is to learn to develop more effective stress management techniques at a younger age. There’s no way to shield today’s young adults or older teens from stress, social influence, or the impacts of a global world. However, it’s possible to teach stress management strategies that give them the ability to overcome those challenges.
Getting Mental Health Support
Another reason young adults fall on the path of addiction is the lack of support for mental health. Mental health and emotional stress are two very different things. Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, are very real and present in the lives of young adults today. Yet, many lack access to mental health care, while others who may have access feel they could never reach out for help.
Mental health care is not always accessible, and when it is, inferior strategies or a lack of consistent care create additional stumbling blocks. Yet, without treatment for these conditions, alcohol and drugs may seem to be the only way to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life, even if it is short-lived.
To overcome this challenge, it’s critical to consider a much larger view of addiction. Young adults need education and resources to help them build strength and foster recovery. They also need to know it’s okay to get that help. Going to a therapist can be just as easy and reasonable as getting an appointment for an illness.
Finding the Help You Need at Iron Bridge
If you know a young adult, age 18 or older, who is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction in Chester, VA, or the surrounding area, reach out to Iron Bridge Recovery Center today. Allow our team to provide the resources and support you need to overcome these challenges and jump off the path of long-term addiction. Contact us now.
