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Helping Young Men Overcome Addiction and Launch Their Best Life
Empowering young adult men in their journey to overcome addiction, The Last Resort’s rehab center offers specialized drug treatment designed with your distinct challenges in mind. Through a comprehensive approach and supportive community, we partner with you to help you start healing from the challenges of addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Our program addresses substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and behavioral issues, guiding clients toward lasting recovery and a path to renewed hope.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to addiction, often due to a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of the unique challenges they may face include:[1]
Young people are highly influenced by their peers and may turn to substance use as a way to fit in, appear more mature, or alleviate feelings of insecurity or inadequacy. This may lead to continued use and, ultimately, addiction.
Adolescence and young adulthood are marked by significant developmental changes. Substance use during this period can disrupt brain development, affecting areas responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and emotion regulation. This may increase vulnerability to addiction and exacerbate mental health issues.
Young people may engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking, experimenting with different drugs, or engaging in unsafe sexual practices. These behaviors can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction or lead to other negative consequences.
Young people are susceptible to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. They may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism, which can increase the risk of addiction. Additionally, substance use can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions.
Academic and career pressure can be significant stressors for young people. Some may struggle to keep up with expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This can make them more susceptible to substance use as a way to escape their stress and worries.
Easy access to addictive substances, including prescription medications, can also increase the risk of addiction in young people. The rise of technology and social media may also expose young people to a wider range of addictive behaviors, such as gambling, gaming, and social media addiction.
Young people often have less experience and knowledge about substance use and addiction. They may underestimate the risks associated with substance use or be unaware of the early signs of addiction, which can make it harder for them to seek help or change their behavior.
A lack of parental involvement, poor role modeling, or a family history of addiction can also increase the risk of addiction in young people.
Many young people may experiment with different substances as they navigate their way through adolescence and young adulthood.[2] Some of the most commonly used substances among this demographic include:[3]
Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances by young people. It is often easily accessible and socially acceptable and can lead to risky behaviors and addiction.
As the legalization of marijuana increases in some areas, its use among young people has also risen. Marijuana can impact cognitive functioning, motivation, and mental health, particularly in adolescents.
Young people may misuse prescription drugs such as opioids, stimulants, or sedatives to get high, relieve stress, or enhance performance. This can lead to addiction and other health consequences.
Synthetic drugs like Spice or K2 (synthetic marijuana), bath salts, and MDMA are popular among young people, often due to their accessibility and affordability. However, their unpredictable nature can result in serious health consequences.
Cocaine use among young people may stem from curiosity, peer pressure, or the pursuit of increased energy and focus. However, it’s highly addictive and can have significant negative health consequences.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and potent stimulant that can have devastating effects on the body and mind. It’s often used for its perceived benefits, like increased energy, alertness, and concentration.
Although less common than other substances on this list, heroin is still a significant concern for young people – especially those who have already developed an addiction to prescription opioids.
It is important to educate young people about the risks associated with these substances and to provide resources and support for those struggling with substance use or addiction.
Substance use among young people can have long-lasting effects on their physical, psychological, and social development. This is particularly significant when considering that young people’s brains are still growing and developing until their mid-20s, especially in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which plays a vital role in decision-making and rational thinking.[4]
According to the 2021 statistics (per the National Survey on Drug Use and Health), nearly 22 percent of people aged 12 and older (61.2 million people in all) in the US reported using illicit drugs in the past year.[5] Of these, marijuana use accounted for 85.4 percent of this number, with 52.5 million people having used it that year. Furthermore, nearly 40 percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 reported using illicit drugs in the previous year.
Across the nation, 46.3 million people met the criteria for having a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, with alcohol use disorders affecting 29.5 million people and drug use disorders affecting 24 million. Notably, more than 9 in 10 people receiving SUD treatment stated that they first used substances before reaching young adulthood.[6] 9.2 million people over the age of 12 misused opioids, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis and highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures and accessible treatment options.
Given the prevalence of illicit drug use among young people, as well as the alarmingly high rate of substance use disorders, it is crucial to implement and expand upon evidence-based prevention programs, promote early intervention strategies, and increase access to young adult addiction treatment services to foster a healthier and safer environment for our youth.
As the prevalence of substance use among young adults continues to rise, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of available treatment options and drug rehabs for young men designed for their age group. Addressing the unique needs and challenges of young people struggling with addiction requires specialized care and support.
Fortunately, there are various treatment options specifically designed to cater to the developmental, emotional, and social aspects that affect young adults in their journey towards recovery
The path to healing may seem daunting, but you are not alone. With the help of a professional team and a supportive community, you can make your way to a brighter future, free of drugs and alcohol. Remember: recovery is possible.
Aftercare planning involves ongoing support through alumni programs, sober living arrangements, outpatient therapy, and relapse prevention strategies.
Typically, you’ll need comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, insurance information, medications (if prescribed), and any necessary documentation
Many young adult inpatient rehab programs include recreational activities, exercise programs, outings, and therapeutic leisure activities to promote overall well-being.
[1] Drug Identification and Testing in the Juvenile Justice System. Consequences of youth substance abuse. Ojjdp.ojp.gov. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/pubs/drugid/ration-03.html on July 2, 2024
[2] AACAP. (2019). Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs. Aacap.org. https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/facts_for_families/fff-guide/Teens-Alcohol-And-Other-Drugs-003.aspx on July 2, 2024
[3] NIDA. (2022, December 15). Most Reported Substance Use among Adolescents Held Steady in 2022. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/12/most-reported-substance-use-among-adolescents-held-steady-in-2022 on July 2, 2024
[4] MedlinePlus. (2018). Drugs and Young People. Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/drugsandyoungpeople.html on July 2, 2024
[5] SAMHSA. (2023, January 4). SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html on July 2, 2024
[6] Hadland, S. E., Yule, A. M., Levy, S. J., Hallett, E., Silverstein, M., & Bagley, S. M. (2021). Evidence-Based Treatment of Young Adults With Substance Use Disorders. Pediatrics, 147(Supplement 2), S204–S214. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/Supplement%202/S204/34555/Evidence-Based-Treatment-of-Young-Adults-With?autologincheck=redirected on July 2, 2024
