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Treating Addiction in Young Adults Effectively

Mar 10, 2020

A grown son or daughter dealing with addiction, whether they’re still living at home or on their own, is a daily worry for parents, especially when you hear startling statistics about the outcome of addiction within their generation. You may have reached a tipping point where some kind of action feels necessary to respond to the nature of the addiction you’re witnessing. Today let’s talk about how to find effective addiction treatment for the young adult in your life.

Optimum addiction treatment for young adults addresses both substance use disorders (SUDs) and any underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. At a facility offering a dual diagnosis treatment, young adults can receive integrated treatment for both, increasing the chances for a successful recovery. When considering effective treatment options for your loved one, you can also look for on-site medical detox services, trauma-informed care, and gender-specific programs for young women and men.

If you or a loved one need help, call our admissions team today at 561-841-1033.

What Underlying Factors Exist with Addiction in Young Adults?

Let’s look at one of two groups of young adults, Millennials, and how specific factors are adding difficulties to this generation. Born between 1981 and 1996, these young adults may endure massive student debt, uncertainty over employment or unemployment, high costs in housing, healthcare and health insurance, and raising a family on low wages. Researchers have examined how these variables may be contributing to substance use disorders (SUDs) and deadly outcomes of drug and alcohol abuse.

What Risks Do Drugs and Alcohol Present to Young Adults?

According to analysis of 10 years of CDC data, from 2007-2017, drug-related deaths jumped by 108% and alcohol-related deaths increased by 69% in Millennials. The results also show a suicide rate increase of 35% during that time period. An expanded year report, 1999-2017, revealed a 500% rise in opioid overdose deaths, too.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults

Recognizing the role mental health plays in the life of young adults who are in need of recovery, a program combining addiction treatment with mental health treatment can be more effective than a program solely focused on addiction. The mental health disorders may include one or more of the following: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, process addictions, and personality disorders. In settings offering a dual diagnosis treatment, a patient receives a comprehensive approach to their health and well-being from a multidisciplinary team to care for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of a young adult.

On-Site Medical Services & Detox for Young Adults

A critical part of recovery will be a medical detox at the start of treatment, and finding a facility that offers it is essential. Your loved one will need to be closely monitored during withdrawal, which can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel at a facility with a medical detox can ensure a patient is not at risk for health complications as all traces of drugs or alcohol leave the body.

Addressing Trauma and PTSD in Young Adults

As trauma can be a factor in the growing substance abuse by a young adult, trauma-informed care is valuable in responding to what can be considered a barrier to treatment. A facility offering trauma-informed care will offer specialized therapies to address PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Some of those therapies may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Biofeedback, and more.

Gender-Specific Programs for Young Adults

One of the innovations in addiction treatment is the availability of programs designed in gender-specific ways, including working with treatment professionals matching the gender of a patient. These programs allow young adults to connect during recovery with peers of the same gender who may have similar experiences in living with addiction. Learning to build healthy relationships with fellow young men or young women can be a valuable part of preparing for life after treatment.

 

Hanley Center – A Path to Recovery

Hanley Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting recovery.

For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.

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