Substance Abuse in young adults link to Mental Health
It is neccesary to address the underlying problems in treatment because substance abuse is often linked to mental health issues. Often, people who become dependent on drugs or alcohol at a young age are prone to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or other related psychological disorders. One way to determine whether issues like these are affecting a family member is to maintain close contact, either by phone or in person.
Parents should take note when their child becomes despondent or difficult to reach. If the adult child is still financially unstable and dependent on their parents is also an indicator of trouble. When an unusual amount of money is being spent, or inability to account for spending, are indicators of depression and alcoholism. Working with a mental health professional to determine the cause of these problems, and, subsequently, a solution for them, is an important step in helping an addict recover.
Dealing With Addiction as a Teen or Young Adult
When dealing with the addiction itself, some programs may work better for young adults than others. Young adults are particularly susceptible to peer pressure. They care greatly about the opinions of others, and are much more concerned than their older counterparts about how they fit into their social circle. Particularly in the case of an addicted college student, this may be one reason that they began using in the first place.
Just as peer pressure can be the catalyst for an addiction, it can also be a wonderful tool in recovery. Group therapy and anonymous twelve step programs can be highly effective. They can also help young adults to develop a new social network that discourages drug and alcohol use. This is particularly important after the initial phases of treatment, when a young person may return to the social situations that threaten to trigger their addictive behavior.
Removing A Young Adult
Removing a young adult from the environment that is leading them to use is a highly effective method of treatment. Eliminating the stress and drama of a volatile social life can help an addict attain clarity and focus on their own well-being. Students are prone to depression caused by a failed relationship with friends or a significant other. An intervention for your young adult or teen can be the catalyst for a successful life.
They may then turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of numbing their emotions. It can be difficult; if not impossible, to stop the cycle of use while they are still in the enviorment that led them to use. For this reason, an inpatient program, which removes them entirely from potential drama, can deliver excellent results.
Treatments Available
If you have a loved one addicted to drugs or alcohol, there are a number of reliable treatments available. Once you know that they are in addiction or alcoholism action must be taken imediately. A young person has many wonderful years of life ahead of them. It is important that their health and safety are not jeopardized by addiction.