Young adult addiction can happen without obvious warning signs, in the same way addiction can strike adults. Parents and others close to the individual may not notice what is happening until the symptoms are more pronounced. Yet, there is help available. The sooner you learn that something is wrong, it becomes possible to find the right type of treatment for the person. At Grace Counseling, we offer a range of resources to help, including adolescent addiction treatment.
Young Adult Addiction Signs
Do you think your loved one may be struggling with addiction? They may be in college or working. They may be an older teen who you’re concerned about making the right decisions in the future. Addiction can happen in those who are younger and, when it does, treatment provided right away can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Some of the most common signs of young adult addiction include:
- Drastic changes in personality and behaviors
- Changes in a person’s interests or friends, often no longer interested in things they used to love
- Mood swings and irritability that’s not otherwise explained
- Trouble maintaining academic or work responsibilities
- Struggling financially or with legal problems
Look for evidence of drug use if this person lives with you. This may include drug paraphernalia, for example. You may also want to consider changes in hygiene habits. Some people who start using drugs and develop dependence also struggle with malnourishment and an inability to sleep well. These can all be indications of addiction in young adults.
Young Adult Addiction Help
When a person over the age of 18 is struggling with addiction, it’s up to that individual, in most cases, to get help. If this is a close loved one, and they refuse to do so, there are a few things you can do to help them.
Start by listening. Drug addiction or dependence is not easy to control. It is a disease requiring professional help. Those who have dependence are not often able to stop using on their own. They may also be unable to make good decisions.
Reaching out to your loved one, discuss the changes that need to happen. For example, if you notice drug use increasing in frequency or creating health problems, don’t wait to put in some rules. For example, don’t give money to those who are using those funds for alcohol or drugs. Even if they say it is for rent, it may be misused. Create boundaries for when a person can spend time in your home, especially if they are high or intoxicated.
This is very hard to do, especially when the person is your son or daughter. Yet, your goal is not to punish them. It is to help them to get into treatment.
What Type of Treatment Is Available for Young Adult Addiction?
At Grace Counseling, we offer adolescent addiction treatment as well as young adult therapy. These programs are designed to provide a safe place for your loved one to get help and guidance. Some of our program options include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Mental health counseling
- Physical wellness services
- Additional addiction treatment programs
In these programs, a person gets the care he or she needs to start healing. They also gain the confidence they need to get back to life without using drugs or alcohol to thrive. You can help them by encouraging them to reach out to us.
Ready to Find Help? Call Grace Counseling Now
Young adult addiction is frustrating, scary, and overwhelming for parents. You may not have known what was happening. You can take action now to get help. Reach out to Grace Counseling. Allow our professionals to provide the support and guidance your loved ones need to start healing. To learn more, call 844.564.0712 or connect with us online.
