Substance Abuse In Young Adults: 10 Signs That Parents Should Look For
If you have a young adult, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of substance abuse. Many people think that only teenagers and adolescents can be affected by drug and alcohol abuse, but this isn’t always the case. Young adults can also be struggling with addiction, and getting them help as soon as possible is crucial.
This blog post will highlight 10 signs parents should look for in their children and how drug rehab in Los Angeles can help them if things get out of hand.
What Is Substance Abuse, And Why Do Young Adults Turn To It For Relief?
Substance abuse is a severe problem that affects people of all ages, but it is especially prevalent among young adults. There are many reasons why young adults turn to substance abuse, including peer pressure, boredom, and a desire to fit in.
However, the most common reason is to relieve stress. Young adults often face a great deal of pressure, whether it be from school, work, or family. This can lead to anxiety and depression, which can, in turn, lead to drug use.
Substance abuse is a dangerous cycle that can be difficult to break out of, but it is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
There are a lot of resources available that can provide support and guidance through recovery. With the right help, it can overcome substance abuse and live a healthy and happy life.
What Are The Substance Abuse Signs Parents Should Look For In Young Adults?
Substance abuse can present itself in many different ways, but there are some common signs that parents should look for. Here are ten signs that could indicate your young adult is struggling with substance abuse:
Changes in mood or behavior
One of the first things parents might notice if their child abuses substances is a change in mood or behavior. This could manifest as anything from becoming withdrawn and isolated to becoming more aggressive and angry. If you notice that your child’s personality has changed in a way that concerns you, it may be worth investigating further.
Changes in appearance
Another sign that something might be wrong is if you notice changes in your child’s appearance. This could include weight loss or gain, changes in hygiene, or clothing, like wearing long sleeves all the time to cover up needle marks.
Withdrawal from family and friends
A young adult abusing substances may start withdrawing from family and friends and become more isolated and secretive. If your child suddenly becomes withdrawn from family and friends, it could be a sign that they are struggling with substance abuse. They may start avoiding family gatherings or spending less time with their friends. This can be a difficult thing to identify, so look out for other signs as well.
Secretive or suspicious behavior
If your child suddenly starts being secretive or suspicious, it could be a sign that they are using drugs or alcohol. They may begin to hide things from you, lie about their whereabouts, or try to keep you from entering their room.
Disorientation or confusion
A young adult abusing substances may seem disoriented or confused and may have trouble remembering things or keeping track of time. A young adult who is using substances may become easily disoriented or confused. They may also have difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks, and their memory may be impaired.
Neglecting responsibilities
It could signify substance abuse if your child suddenly stops going to school or work. A young adult abusing drugs or alcohol may also begin to neglect their responsibilities at home, such as not doing chores or not helping around the house.
Unexplained injuries
A young adult abusing substances may have unexplained injuries, such as bruises or cuts. Substance abuse can lead to increased risky behaviors, such as driving while impaired or engaging in physical fights. This could result in unexplained injuries that may not be explained away by a simple “I fell.”
Slurred speech
A young adult abusing substances may have slurred speech or difficulty walking. If your child’s speech is suddenly slow or slurred, it may be a sign that they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Financial problems
One of the telltale signs of substance abuse is financial problems. If your child is suddenly asking for money more often than usual, or if they start having trouble paying their bills, it may be because they are spending their money on drugs or alcohol instead of other necessities.
Legal problems
Another sign that your child is involved in substance use is if they start getting into legal trouble. This could include things like getting arrested for possession of drugs or alcohol, driving under the influence, or trespassing.
How Can Parents Get Their Child Help If They Believe They Are Struggling With Addiction Issues?
If you believe your child may be struggling with drug abuse, there are a few alarming signs to look out for. These include changes in mood or behavior, problems at school or work, financial difficulties, and social withdrawal.
Additionally, drug abuse can often co-occur with mental illness. If you believe your child may be participating in drug abuse, it is crucial to get assistance from health care providers immediately.
There are a variety of resources available to parents who are concerned about their child’s drug use. The Drug Abuse Warning Network provides information on drug-related emergencies, and the national institute offers a 24-hour hotline to connect parents with treatment options in their area. Children can overcome drug abuse and lead healthy and prosperous lives with early intervention.
What Are The Long-term Risk Factors Associated With Substance Abuse In Young Adults?
Substance abuse in young adults is associated with many long-term risks. These can include:
- This can lead to substance use disorder
- Mental health problems, like anxiety and depression
- Social isolation
- Illicit drug use
- Poor academic performance or dropping out of school
- Car accidents or other injuries from risky behaviors
- Relationship problems
- Legal problems
- Financial difficulties
- Increased risk of developing chronic diseases later in life
- Increased risk of death from overdose or suicide.
How Can Drug Rehab In Los Angeles Help?
According to the mental health services administration, one in four young adults struggles with substance abuse. This can include alcohol, illicit drugs, or tobacco. If you or someone you know is struggling with severe addiction, getting help is essential. Drug rehab in Los Angeles can provide the treatment and support you need to overcome your addiction.
The first step is to detox from the substances you’re addicted to. This can be a difficult process, but it’s necessary to start recovering. Drug rehab in Los Angeles can help you detox by providing medical and psychological support.
Once you’ve detoxed, you’ll begin therapy. Therapy can help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and learn how to cope with triggers and cravings. You’ll also learn new skills for managing stress and emotions.
Drug rehab in Los Angeles can provide the addiction treatment and support you need to recover from substance abuse and live a fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Substance abuse in young adults is a serious problem that can lead to long-term health, financial, and legal consequences. If you believe your child may be struggling with drug abuse, it’s important to take action immediately. With early intervention, children can overcome drug abuse and go on to lead healthy and prosperous lives. Drug rehab in Los Angeles can provide the treatment and support needed to recover from substance abuse and live a fulfilling life.
Carla is a high performing marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving growth of in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Strong command of digital operations with exposure to influencer marketing strategy, branding, analytics, SEO/SEM, customer success, content development, and social media Core expertise lies in managing end-to-end campaigns, creating memorable content, and facilitating improved conversion rates to enhance e-commerce operations. Adept in ensuring alignment with organizational goals, facilitating streamlined operations, and leveraging a data driven strategy used to make insightful marketing decisions.
