Addiction affects millions of people and their families every day. Now, while it may affect people differently, it does not avoid affecting different people. Anyone can end up struggling with addiction. It does not matter how you identify or how old or young you are. Adolescent addiction is very common, especially in the U.S. If you think you know a young person with an addiction problem, the good news is that there is hope and help. Many effective means, methods, and modalities can help them recover so they can begin enjoying a rich and fulfilling life sooner rather than later.
Understanding Adolescent Addiction
The dangers of adolescent addiction are very real. According to the peer-reviewed journal NEJM Evidence, “In 2020, nearly 10 million U.S. adolescents (1.6 million 12 to 17 years of age and 8.2 million 18 to 25 years of age) met the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD; e.g., alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs), and the majority were untreated…. Adolescents with SUDs have poorer functional outcomes across multiple domains (education/employment, family/social, and health) and are at greater lifetime risk for experiencing an array of adverse outcomes, including sexually transmitted diseases, poor family planning, justice system involvement, school-related challenges, neurocognitive impairments, and increased mental health burden.”
It is also important to understand that the adolescent brain is not fully developed yet, which leaves younger people more susceptible to alcohol and substance misuse and eventual addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Adolescence is a time of important developmental and social growth…. Teens may experiment with nicotine via cigarettes or vaping, alcohol, and marijuana, at a time when exposure to these substances can have a significant impact on brain development. Early use of alcohol and other substances can increase the likelihood of going on to use other drugs and of developing a substance use disorder.”
Addiction Can Happen to Anyone
It is critical to remember that addiction can happen to anyone. This is why it is often referred to as an “equal opportunity offender.” This is especially important to remember when it comes to younger people.
Many young people feel like they are “invincible.” This is often because they have not yet experienced any serious life events. Now, this is particularly dangerous because it can also make them feel as though they are immune to becoming addicted to alcohol or substances at a young age. However, the reality is that anyone can become addicted at any stage in their life. Some people just happen to become addicted more quickly.
Better Understanding Addiction
People now understand more clearly than ever that addiction is not a choice, but rather a disease. According to a peer-reviewed thesis, Neurobiology of Addiction, by Doctors Semaan and Khan, “Historically, addictions were considered a manifestation of an individual’s ethical and moral shortcomings. Advances in neuroscience have fundamentally changed our understanding of addictive disorders. Currently, addiction is understood to be a chronic and relapsing disorder marked by specific neuroadaptations predisposing an individual to pursue substances irrespective of potential consequences.”
Yes, addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes than it does with a choice. Also, like a disease, it has many characteristics that can be warning signs that a problem may exist.
The Signs and Symptoms of Adolescent Addiction
Now, while there may be some slight variation, there are some very universal signs and symptoms of addiction. The following are just a few:
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems (like constipation)
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Healing From Adolescent Addiction With a Multi-Angled Approach
The good news is that there are many effective recovery options available to people of all ages. The key is to use a multi-angled approach.
The multi-angled approach to recovery simply means that you should at least consider using modalities from all areas of recovery. This includes the psychotherapeutic, experiential, and holistic. Often, when these methods are used in tandem, recovery is not far behind.
Our Primary Purpose at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our primary purpose is to help you recover by any means necessary. It doesn’t matter what age you are.
If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You got this! We can help.
Many people look the other way when it comes to youth alcohol and substance use because it is either too intimidating or it is just “kids being kids.” This is both unhealthy and dangerous. It can be critical to understand the dangers and common nature of adolescent addiction, and how to get them the help they need when they are ready. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about adolescent addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
