Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Students at Driftwood Recovery in Texas

Young adults and students have an increased risk of experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. Peer pressure and other factors contributing to the development of SUD disproportionally affect young people. Community education on mental health, early intervention, and professional treatment provide young people with the best outcomes and reduce their risk of experiencing SUD or mental health disorders later in life. Driftwood Recovery treats young adults and students diagnosed with SUD and dual diagnosis.

Understanding Addiction Among Young Adults and Students

Young adults and students are among the most at-risk demographic for developing chronic substance abuse. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), “Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.” Young adults are also more likely to experience permanent cognitive changes due to substance abuse. Identifying and treating addictive behaviors early reduces the risks and protects young adults from future mental health issues.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of substance use disorder in young adults and students include:

Extreme mood changes, including uncharacteristic anger and irritability
Poor academic attendance and low grades
Disciplinary action or legal issues caused by antisocial behavior or being under the influence
Adopting new friend groups and a reluctance to introduce them to parental figures
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sudden memory issues, confusion, and other cognitive side effects
Physical side effects, including lack of coordination and slurred speech
Secretive behaviors
Unexplained financial difficulties leading to borrowing or stealing money

Understanding the potential risk factors and warning signs of addiction in young people helps families know when to intervene and seek treatment. Many young people with SUD also have co-occurring mental health disorders that may make it more difficult for family and friends to identify addictive behaviors. A clinical assessment is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The Impact of Addiction on Mental Health and Quality of Life

Chronic addiction may significantly impact a young person’s mental health and quality of life. Young adults who engage in addictive behaviors are more likely to experience the following:

Addiction and mental health disorders later in life
Legal consequences of participating in illegal behaviors while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Difficulty maintaining employment and financial instability
Relationship issues and difficulty forming healthy social connections
Housing instability
Increased risk of various health conditions, including cancer, psychosis, and heart disease

Addressing addiction early reduces the risk of complications during and after treatment. Young people are also less likely to relapse if they receive treatment before the addictive behaviors begin to impact all areas of their lives.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders impact how clinicians approach treatment. The symptoms of mental health disorders may worsen the effects of chronic substance abuse and affect recovery for individuals in rehabilitation. Young adults are especially susceptible to the long-term impact of mental health disorders unless they receive adequate treatment.

Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Bipolar disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Panic disorder
Schizophrenia

Young adults with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a higher risk of developing one or more co-occurring mental health disorders. Early intervention and treatment are the best way to reduce long-term side effects or mental health complications during recovery. Accurately diagnosing a client’s condition impacts treatment and aftercare planning.

The Driftwood Recovery Model: A Holistic Approach to Treating Young Adults and Students

Driftwood Recovery takes a holistic approach to treatment, utilizing integrative care and tailored treatment planning. Clinicians use comprehensive assessments and other tools to gather insights into each client’s life and identify contributing factors and underlying issues affecting their recovery.

Personalized treatment plans address client needs by considering all factors impacting their mental and physical health. Specialized rehabilitation programs for young adults and students prioritize peer support and engagement. Therapeutic modalities used to treat substance abuse and dual diagnosis integrate group therapy and peer activities to help clients develop essential social skills and improve mental health.

The personalized treatments for young adults and students combine flexibility and high-quality care to ensure the best possible outcomes by improving access to support resources. Families are encouraged to play an active role in the recovery process. A holistic approach to care addresses relationships impacted by chronic substance abuse and provides clients with the information they need to make educated decisions about their care. Many young adults choose to participate in family therapy and other support services to reduce their risk of relapse.

Comprehensive Treatment Modalities for Lasting Recovery

Driftwood Recovery uses holistic therapies for mental and physical health. Therapy focuses on underlying factors impacting sobriety and mental health, including forms of attachment and maladaptive behaviors contributing to addiction and mental health issues. Clinicians combine various therapeutic modalities to create a tailored treatment plan addressing each client’s needs.

Driftwood Recovery collaborates closely with young people to better understand what therapeutic methods will help them achieve their recovery goals. Some students and young adults may respond better to incentives, while others require comprehensive psychotherapy or other treatments to help them achieve lasting sobriety. The clinical team works with clients to ensure they can access programs and services that best meet their needs.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults and Students

Treatments for dual diagnosis teach clients to effectively manage substance use disorder and mental health issues simultaneously. The conditions may affect each other in various ways, including:

More severe or longer-lasting symptoms
Increased risk of self-destructive or self-harming behaviors
Greater difficulty achieving and maintaining sobriety
Increased risk of relapse and recovery complications
Reduced ability to focus
Lower energy levels

Understanding how mental health issues affect addiction treatment can prepare young adults and their families for the realities of long-term recovery.

Why Choose Driftwood Recovery?

Driftwood Recovery offers aftercare planning to support long-term sobriety and healthy lifestyle changes. We provide expert care tailored to young adults and students, and our programs empower young people to lead fulfilling lives.

Some of the recovery support services offered to young adults and students include:

Residential or outpatient treatment programs
Personalized individual and group counseling sessions
Referrals to outside professional care and community-based resources
Alternative holistic therapies for managing symptoms
Essential skills development, including social skills and effective communication
Community integration program (CIP)
Relapse prevention and crisis management strategies

Driftwood Recovery supports clients in their recovery journey through ongoing alumni support and other services. Young adults can continue receiving check-ins and additional support as they navigate ongoing sobriety.

Young adults and students have a higher risk of experiencing substance use disorder and may face additional challenges during treatment. Driftwood Recovery encourages young adults to take advantage of tailored treatment plans to address the unique challenges they face in recovery. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.