Trends of Drug Abuse in Young Adults

Stew Broward

min read

Stew Broward

Head of PR

April 29, 2024

Substance abuse in young adults is so prevalent that about 2 out of 5 between the ages of 18 and 25 have used an illicit drug in the past year. On top of that, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported that young adults are the biggest drug abusers among other age groups.

So, in this post, we’ll discuss young adults and substance abuse as well as available interventions to help if your loved one is struggling with this condition. Read on to learn more about this growing problem.

Factors contributing to drug abuse in young adults

Although young adults are perceived to be the picture of health and vigor, some of them are more likely to spiral into drug abuse. Here are some of the contributing factors as to why some become part of the youth substance abuse statistics:

1. Mental health issues

Young adults who are struggling with mental health issues are more likely to use drugs to cope. They may be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and other conditions. The good thing is that a facility like LA Wellness Home provides dual diagnosis to treat both disorders.

2. Family history of substance use

Those whose parents are actively abusing drugs are also likely to develop the same problem early on. Aside from that, genetic factors might be at play, especially if drug abuse has been in the family for generations.

3. Prenatal exposure to drugs

Exposure to illicit drugs while in their mother’s womb can have a serious effect on young adults’ brain development. This can alter their brain chemistry and make them more prone to seek relief or pleasure from drugs when they grow older.

4. Traumatic early life experiences

Similar to mental health disorders, young adults who have dealt with traumatic events in their lives may use drugs as an escape.

The young adults may have experienced domestic violence as a child, neglect, bullying, and other similar situations.

5. Substance using peers

Young adults in social circles who are predominantly abusing drugs may also end up engaging in similar behaviors. Some would even resort to drug use just to conform or please their friends.

6. Academic pressure

Young adults tend to abuse drugs like Adderall to enhance their academic performance. This drug enhances focus and attention, which makes them more effective in studying for examples or finishing projects. However, this often ends up in dependence and eventual addiction.

7. Lack of parental supervision

Young adults have more freedom to explore illicit drugs and suffer from its consequences. This is a prevalent scenario when there’s not enough parental guidance at such a young age.

The most common substances involved in drug use in young adults

According to addiction statistics, many young adults abuse a wide range of substances. Still, the following are the most common culprits:

1. Alcohol

The young adult phase is often characterized by lots of partying with friends. This is one of the main reasons many young adults may require alcohol rehab if not intervened at some point.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 10.3 million young adults are binge drinking in a month. Due to the legal status of alcohol, these substance abuse statistics don’t come as a surprise to many.

2. Marijuana

Similar to alcohol, recreational marijuana is legal in some states, including Illinois, Colorado, California, New Jersey, and more. This means that a young adult can easily access them from dispensaries for their personal enjoyment.

While marijuana isn’t inherently dangerous, addiction may still set in. And if you or a young adult you know is using marijuana out of control, it might be time to seek marijuana addiction treatment like what we provide here at LA Wellness Home.

3. Nicotine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 12 in every 100 Americans aged 18 years and above are currently smoking cigarettes.

Aside from cigarettes, nicotine use has also taken another and more attractive form: vaping. It’s a big hit among young adults since it comes in various flavors and is believed to help smoking cessation.

However, John Hopkins Medicine warned against the serious dangers vaping could bring. Aside from nicotine addiction, this vice can also lead to collapsed lung and lipoid pneumonia, among other health conditions.

4. Prescription drugs

Many young adults are notoriously abusing various prescription drugs, either to get ‘high’ or to boost their mental and physical performance innocently.

On top of such drugs is Adderall, a medication for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This prescription drug is often misused by college students for their pre-exam all-nighters since Adderall boosts focus.

Aside from Adderall, the likes of OxyContin, Vicodin, and opiates are widely abused by those in the 18 to 25-year-old age bracket.

5. Heroin

Heroin is an illegal drug that brings a slew of health dangers not just for young adults but for people of all ages. It can either be snorted, injected, or smoked, but it remains dangerous just the same.

Abusing heroin can cause heart infections, liver and kidney disease, hepatitis, collapsed veins, skin infections, and overdose. To prevent all these from happening, we recommend a heroin detox as soon as possible.

6. Cocaine

Many young adults undergo cocaine addiction treatment due to the highly addictive nature of this drug. Those who are 18 to 25 years old tend to abuse cocaine for the intense euphoria it can bring, as well as its confidence-boosting effects.

But while cocaine brings intense feel-good sensations, it can also cause various complications. This includes cardiovascular damage, respiratory issues, kidney disease, transmissible infections, and the list goes on.

Interventions for substance abuse in young adults

According to experts, the earlier a person abuses or misuses drugs, the more likely they will get addicted to them later in life. This is why early interventions are crucial if you know a young adult struggling with substance use disorder (SUD).

There are many drug rehab options that you or your loved one can explore. You can opt for an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center that offers individualized programs to meet your needs.

With an inpatient rehab center like LA Wellness Home, you’ll stay inside our facility throughout the duration of the treatment. During your stay, our 24/7 clinical team will provide you with the utmost care in our luxurious property.

By entering an inpatient rehab in Los Angeles, you’ll have the chance to distance yourself from the environment and people that caused your addiction. Above all, it will give you a fresh start as a young adult by preparing you to return to your normal and sober life.

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