For young adults, the pressure to abuse substances may be high; apart from peer pressure, they may also naturally want to abuse these substances. Regardless of the case at hand, it is imperative to seek treatment for substance use disorder. For young adults, this can be intimidating; at First City Recovery Center in Indiana, we treat those who suffer from addiction on an individualized basis. This gives them the best chance at long-term recovery.
How Many Young Adults Suffer from Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder is a major issue among young adults in the United States and around the world. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 8.5 million individuals ages 12-25 struggle with a substance use disorder each year. The most commonly abused substances by young adults include alcohol, marijuana, opioids (such as prescription painkillers and heroin), and stimulants (like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants).
The long-term effects of substance use disorder are often difficult to predict, but they can include mental health issues like depression and anxiety, physical health problems such as liver or kidney damage, social alienation from family and peers, legal consequences due to drug-related crimes, and even death.
Why do Young Adults Struggle with Addiction?
Additionally, traumatic experiences, lack of access to mental health resources, peer pressure, and feeling isolated or misunderstood can all contribute to developing an addiction. Substance use disorder can also become a way of coping with difficult emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, these factors can have consequences that extend far beyond health issues. They may experience lasting financial strain due to their drug habit, strained relationships with family and friends, disconnected from one’s own values and sense of purpose, as well as decreased engagement in activities that can bring joy or satisfaction.


Why don’t Young Adults Seek Treatment for Addiction?
Fear of judgment or rejection from friends, family, and peers can also prevent young adults from seeking treatment for their addiction. Additionally, many young adults may not be aware of treatment options available to them or lack access to resources that could provide assistance in getting into a recovery program.
Mental Health Treatment for Young Adults at FCRC
Residential treatment for young adults suffering from addiction offers 24-hour therapeutic care and support in a safe, structured setting. This type of care is designed to help individuals build the skills and strategies necessary to achieve long-term recovery and sobriety. During residential treatment, young adults can benefit from a variety of evidence-based therapies including the following:
- Individual and group counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- 12-step programs
- Experiential and holistic modalities
- Medication management
At a residential treatment center for young adults with addiction, licensed clinicians work to provide individualized care based on the needs of each client. Through regular assessments and evaluations, clinicians develop personalized treatment plans to help young adults become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and motivations. With the support of an experienced team, clients can begin to identify and manage triggers for relapse. This helps lp individuals build the skills needed to make informed decisions about their recovery and sobriety.
Outpatient treatment for young adults suffering from addiction can be very effective. It allows them to continue living at home and going to school or work, while receiving the treatment they need to recover. Outpatient treatment usually includes individual and group therapy, as well as 12-step meetings. Some programs also offer medication-assisted treatment, which can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. It is important for young adults in recovery to have a strong support system, which could include family therapy or involvement of trusted friends.
Intensive outpatient treatment can also provide structure and accountability while allowing individuals the necessary flexibility they need with their day-to-day activities. Young people in recovery should also look into attending support groups specifically designed for their age group. There are various online and in-person support groups available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, which can provide additional accountability and encourage young adults to stay on track with their recovery goals.
Along with professional treatment programs and support groups, there are also other tools that can be helpful during a young person’s recovery journey. Social support from family and friends can be key to providing encouragement and reinforcing positive behaviors. Practicing healthy habits like exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals can also help manage anxiety and stress while on the path to sobriety. Regularly engaging in activities that bring joy such as hobbies or volunteer work can help promote a sense of purpose and motivate young adults to stay sober.
Staying connected with sober peers can provide an outlet for socializing while avoiding triggers or cravings associated with substance use. By taking these steps, young adults in recovery can build a strong foundation that will set them up for success in their sobriety journey. With the help of supportive family and friends, professional guidance, and other resources, young adults can gain the confidence to stay sober for the long haul.
Partial hospitalization is a form of intensive outpatient treatment for young adults suffering from addiction. This type of program provides a high level of care and support in a less-restrictive setting than residential or inpatient care, allowing clients to maintain some normalcy during their recovery. Partial hospitalization programs generally combine individual, group and family therapy, as well as other evidence-based psychological and psychosocial treatments. The goal of partial hospitalization is to provide intensive therapy while allowing clients to maintain a certain level of independence.
During a partial hospitalization program, individuals typically spend 6-8 hours per day at the facility and receive more intensive care than they would in an outpatient setting. Clients often spend the majority of their day participating in a variety of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychotherapy. Depending on their individual needs, clients may also participate in activities such as yoga or meditation to manage stress and improve overall psychological well-being. While attending a partial hospitalization program, individuals are still able to maintain a certain level of independence and flexibility.
Continuum of care treatment provides an array of services and support that helps young adults suffering from substance abuse and addiction. It is designed to meet the individual needs of each person, and can include medical intervention, psychological counseling, family support, vocational training, job placement assistance, and supportive housing. The goal of continuum of care treatment is to help young adults develop the skills and resources necessary to maintain long-term recovery.
Continuum of care treatment typically begins with medical evaluation and monitoring, which includes physical exams, laboratory tests, medication management, and other medical interventions as needed. This is followed by psychological counseling sessions that address underlying emotional issues related to addiction. Counseling can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other forms of behavior modification.
Family support is another important component of a continuum of care treatment for young adults in recovery. Families can provide guidance and insight into the underlying issues that led to addiction in the first place, as well as help to provide a supportive home environment. Additionally, family members can assist in the monitoring of progress and provide ongoing encouragement, accountability, and feedback.