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Drug use in young adults has become a pressing concern for both families and healthcare professionals. This alarming trend carries not only long-term detrimental effects on health, social wellbeing, and economic stability, but also the grave risks of overdose and even death.
Knowing how to spot potential warning signs of drug use is essential to help safeguard them from harm. In this post, we'll discuss the various red flags indicating young adult drug use and strategies for preventing it from occurring in the first place.
Source: Cielo Treatment Center
Understanding Drug Use in Young Adults
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 39% of young adults aged 18 to 25 engage in illicit drug use. Their commonly used substances include marijuana, prescription medications, party drugs, and designer substances.
Party drugs, such as MDMA or ketamine, are often prevalent in nightlife and social scenes. Designer substances, like synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, K2) and synthetic cathinone (bath salts), pose a significant risk due to their unpredictable effects.
Young adults face unique challenges that make them especially susceptible to substance use. They often experience new stressors, such as pursuing higher education, starting careers, and navigating relationships. Furthermore, the desire for social belonging and the pressures of young adult life can lead them to experiment with drugs to cope or connect with peers.
Moreover, young people might resort to drug use to manage stress, navigate emotional upheaval, or address unresolved trauma. The stages of drug abuse can be classified into four phases:
Experimentation: This stage involves initial drug exposure, typically through friends or social situations. It is characterized by curiosity and occasional use among young adults.
Regular use: During this phase, substance use becomes more frequent but may not be considered problematic. Young adults may consume substances on weekends or during social events.
Problematic use: At this stage, substance use starts interfering with a young adult's daily life, including academics, relationships, and extracurricular activities. They may begin to experience negative consequences but continue using regardless.
Addiction: This is the final stage, where substance use becomes compulsive and uncontrollable, often leading to significant physical, mental, and social harm for young adults.
What are the Signs of Drug Use in Young Adults?
Recognizing the signs of drug use in young adults is crucial for early intervention and support. Below are the usual behavioral, physical, and emotional indicators that may suggest someone is using drugs:
Behavioral Signs:
Sudden and unexplained changes in habits or routines
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Declining academic performance and increased absenteeism
Withdrawal from family and friends, becoming more secretive or isolated
Associating with new friends who may be involved in drug use
Unusual or unexplained need for money or valuables going missing
Engaging in risky or reckless behaviors
Physical Signs:
Noticeable changes in appearance, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or disheveled clothing
Bloodshot eyes or dilated or constricted pupils
Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks on the body
Frequent nosebleeds or runny nose (not due to allergies or illness)
Slurred speech, impaired coordination, or unsteady gait
Changes in sleep patterns, either insomnia or excessive sleepiness
Sudden or frequent bouts of nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating
Emotional Signs:
Mood swings, irritability, or unexplained emotional outbursts
Apathy or lack of motivation
Increased anxiety, paranoia, or feelings of depression
Unusual bursts of energy or hyperactivity
Sudden changes in personality or attitude
Remember that some of these signs could indicate other issues the young ones face, such as mental health disorders or stress. Try to handle the situation with empathy and open communication.
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Types of Drug Rehab Programs
Common treatment programs include inpatient or residential treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP), sober living homes or transitional living facilities, and 12-step programs or peer support groups.
Inpatient or residential treatment provides a structured, drug-free environment with 24/7 support. Services include medical detoxification, therapy, and aftercare planning, with specialized approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Outpatient treatment allows young adults to continue their education or work and maintain social connections while receiving therapy. Services include individual therapy, group counseling, and family therapy, typically recommended for less severe cases of addiction or as a step-down option after residential treatment.
IOPs or PHPs provide a higher level of care than standard outpatient treatment, involving several hours of therapy per day, multiple days per week. These programs suit those requiring more intensive support and structure but not round-the-clock supervision.
Sober living homes or transitional living facilities offer a safe, structured environment for individuals transitioning from residential treatment to daily life. These facilities provide support, guidance, and peer connections while requiring engagement in education, work, therapy participation, or community service activities.
Community-based 12-step programs and peer support groups like NA or AA provide ongoing support for young adults in recovery. Meetings involve sharing personal experiences, discussing coping strategies, and fostering peer connections.
When selecting a program, consider the young adult's needs, the severity of their substance use disorder, and the availability of specialized services. A thorough assessment by a professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Source: Cielo Treatment Center
What are the Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse?
Drug use prevention is essential to promoting healthy development and well-being among young adults. Here are some common strategies for preventing substance abuse among this age group.
Conducting education and awareness programs in colleges, universities, and local communities.
Fostering positive relationships with family and peers.
Promoting healthy coping mechanisms and stress management techniques to equip young adults with the tools they need to manage stress.
Encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and hobbies.
Implementing drug testing programs in academic institutions and athletic programs to deter and help identify individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Limiting access to prescription medications and other potentially harmful substances.
Strengthening law enforcement efforts to prevent drug trafficking, reducing the availability of drugs in communities, and deterring young adults from experimenting with them.
Providing access to mental health services and support to address underlying mental health issues that may contribute to substance abuse.
Encouraging responsible prescribing and use of prescription medications to help prevent misuse or diversion of these drugs.
Establishing open communication between young adults and their support networks can facilitate healthy dialogue and help identify warning signs of drug abuse.
Understanding the signs of drug use, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and providing access to support can reduce the risk of substance abuse. Remember, early intervention and support can make all the difference in helping young ones overcome addiction and build a brighter future.
If you're looking for treatment centers for young adults in Oregon, look no further. Cielo Treatment understands your challenges, and we're here to support you in your journey. So if you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next, don't hesitate to ask for help.