New research has shown that addiction rates in young adults are increasing. Substance abuse and addiction that start at a young age can have lifelong consequences. Looking at the statistics of addiction and understanding risk factors can help you avoid addiction or help a loved one who is struggling. While drug and alcohol rates in teens and young adults vary from year to year, recent data have shown it is a persistent problem. Let’s take a look at the numbers and how this will impact the future of society.
Current Statistics For Young Adults
While new studies have not been conducted or released for the most current year, we do have statistics over the past several years, including 2023. Here are some striking statistics that show how addiction rates in young adults are increasing:
- 1 in 11 young adults is a heavy drinker, drinking 5 or more days in the past month
- 1 in 17 young adults has a marijuana use disorder
- 15% of high school students reported having used illicit or injection drugs
- 9.6% of eighth graders and 21% of 12th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past 12 months
- 27.2% of young adults between 19-30 reported binge drinking in the past 30 days
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that young adults are the biggest abusers of prescription opioids, ADHD stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs
While all of these statistics are concerning, there is often a lack of treatment for specialized addiction for young adults. As addiction and substance abuse rates continue to rise, there are often not enough resources to help young adults who are struggling. Addiction also puts individuals at risk of other diseases and risky behaviors, which can deplete more societal resources and cause injury to others around them. This is why limiting access to harmful substances and providing resources to those turning toward addiction is crucial for a healthier future.
Risk Factors For Addiction Or Substance Abuse
Some individuals are at a higher risk for addiction, especially when they are not taught about the risks of substances. Those with these risk factors in their life are more likely to use alcohol, nicotine, and other injection drugs.
Some common risk factors to take into consideration include:
- Family history of substance use
- Poor parental monitoring
- Lack of school resources
- Childhood sex abuse
- Mental health issues
- Family rejection
- Substance-using peers
- Low academic achievement
- Unavailable parents
- Those who have participated in risky behaviors before
How To Prevent Addiction
Since addiction is a severely undertreated condition, it can be hard to find quality treatment centers or hospitals that are able to provide help to those struggling with substance abuse. Young adults often don’t seek treatment either, which can make the consequences of addiction remain for many years.
It can be extremely difficult to protect young adults from peer pressure and social expectations when they transition to college or the workforce. It is important for families to discuss the risks of excessive alcohol use and substance abuse when their children are young. Bringing up the topic frequently can help teens and young adults avoid them in the future.
Schools can also help implement harm reduction seminars and prevention programs to limit substance abuse. This should start in young children as well as high school students. Colleges can also implement easily accessible resources to help students cope with addiction or deal with the stress of higher education in a healthier way. College is a difficult time in a young adult’s life, and changing jobs or moving away from home can cause us to deal with immense stress. Finding healthy coping strategies or joining support groups is the best way to avoid addiction.
Parents, guardians, roommates, or other family members should also help someone they care about develop more self-confidence. Confidence and aspirations for the future can help limit the risk of addiction or excessive use. Criticizing the actions rather than the person will help them see that they can do better for themselves going forward.
Resources From Red Willow Counseling And Recovery
Those struggling with addiction deserve to get help. While resources may be limited for young adults, Red Willow Counseling and Recovery is working to provide more support for those in our communities. We offer outpatient treatment, talk therapy, and addiction recovery options that will put you or your loved one back on track. It is extremely difficult to overcome addiction on your own, so having a team of people supporting you is essential to better health.
Our team encourages healthy outlets, talking about your struggles, and learning from others on how addiction can impact your life. Although addiction rates in young adults are increasing, there is hope. We offer individual and group sessions that can help you change your perspective on drug and alcohol use. Call our Salt Lake or Park City locations to get started today.
