Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Teens and Young Adults
Substance use disorder in young people negatively affects every area of their life. Over time, substance use can lead to severe addictions that threaten their mental and physical health, school or work performance, relationships, and goals for the future.
Newport Healthcare’s drug rehab treatment for teens and young adults creates long-term recovery by addressing both substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our treatment programs support clients to recover from addiction by processing past trauma, building resilience and self-worth, and developing healthy coping skills.
If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, it’s essential to seek care as soon as possible. Contact us today to get started on the recovery journey.
How To Tell If You or Your Loved One Has a Substance Use Disorder
What are the warning signs of addiction in teens and young adults? There are both behavioral and physical signs of drug use that parents and other loved ones might recognize.
In teens, the behavioral signs of teen substance use sometimes resemble typical teen angst or rebellion. That’s why it can be hard to tell the difference between difficult teen behavior and signs that an adolescent is struggling with a substance use disorder.
For young adults, the criteria for drug addiction depends not only on their behavior and physical symptoms, but also on how their substance use is impacting their daily life and functioning.
Below we list the signs and symptoms of teen and young adult drug use, as well as the criteria for substance use disorder.
Signs & Symptoms of Teen and Young Adult Substance Use Disorder
10 Physical Signs of Substance Use in Teens and Young Adults
- Bloodshot or watery eyes
- Runny nose, frequent nosebleeds
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain
- Shaking and tremors
- Poor hygiene and diminished personal appearance
- Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
- Compulsive eating, frequent hunger
- Puffy, swollen face
- Either fatigue or hyperactivity
- Wearing inappropriate clothing, such as long sleeves in summer to hide needle marks
10 Behavioral Signs of Adolescent or Young Adult Drug Use
- Emotional instability, extreme moodiness
- Loss of interest in once-favored activities
- Feelings of intense sadness
- Irritability, anger, aggression
- Difficulty staying focused, causing problems in school
- Secretive behavior, territorial, hiding in their room
- Stealing, unexplained need for money
- Sleeping more than usual, staying in bed all day
- Avoiding eye contact, withdrawing into their shell
- Replacing longtime friends with a new friend group
Criteria for Substance Use Disorder in Young Adults
- Problems functioning in your daily life and relationships
- Increased tolerance, meaning you need more of a substance in order to feel the effects
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, exhaustion, and sadness
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain or loss
- Legal trouble or engaging in risky behavior as a result of drug use
- Constantly thinking about when you’ll use the drug again
- Using more of the drug than you planned to
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed or valued
- Hiding how often you’re using the drug
What Causes Addiction?
Underlying mental health disorders are a primary cause of substance use disorder.
Teens and young adults typically begin using substances regularly as a form of self-medication. They may start by experimenting with a drug at a party or with peers.
But over time, it becomes a way to cope with the distress and emotional pain associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition. As a result, they become dependent on the drug—mentally, physically, or both.
In addition, drug addiction has a genetic component. Young people are more vulnerable to substance use disorder if they have a family member who is or was addicted to substances.
Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder
The following factors make it more likely that a teen or young adult will start using substances and become dependent on them.
Mental health issues
Problem drug use in teens and young adults is usually a symptom of an underlying mental health disorder.
Family history of drug use
When parents, siblings, or extended family members have a history of addiction, teens are more likely to develop a substance use problem.
Age when they first use drugs
The younger a person is when they start using substances, the higher the risk of addiction. Early drug abuse in teens disrupts brain development, wiring the brain for addiction.
Childhood trauma
A Columbia University study found that adolescents who experienced childhood trauma, especially abuse and domestic violence, were more likely to experiment with drugs in adolescence.
Family rejection
LGBTQ youth who have experienced rejection due to their gender identity or sexual orientation have higher rates of teen drug use, according to the Trevor Project.
Take a Quiz
If you’re noticing signs and symptoms that could indicate a substance use disorder or other mental health condition, take a quiz to get guidance on next steps.
What Happens When Addiction Isn’t Treated
Untreated substance use can have a wide range of long-term impacts on teens, young adults, and their loved ones. Here are some of the key long-term effects:
- Physical health consequences: Prolonged substance use can lead to chronic health conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, and infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis).
- Neurological damage: Substances like alcohol and drugs can cause lasting changes to brain structure and function, leading to cognitive deficits, memory problems, and mental health disorders.
- Co-occurring disorders: Substance use often coexists with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which can get worse if left untreated.
- Cognitive impairment: Long-term use can impair decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
- Relationship strain: Substance use can lead to conflicts and breakdowns in relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Employment issues: Young adults may face job loss, decreased productivity, or difficulty maintaining employment, leading to financial instability.
- Legal problems: Substance use can result in legal issues, including arrests, losing a driver’s license, and related costs.
- Isolation: Young people struggling with substance use may withdraw from social interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation.
Getting sober and healthy has brought me back up to speed and my memory is back. I treasure it now, all of the moments I thought once lost to time. The memories of the life I lived are now accessible to me again.
John F.
Diagnosing Substance Use Disorder in Teens and Young Adults
Diagnosis of a substance use disorder in young people involves a complete physical and mental health assessment. An evaluation for drug addiction may include any or all of the following:
Physical Exam
A physical exam will help determine how substance use is impacting physical health in addition to mental health.
Lab Tests
A doctor may conduct lab tests to screen for any potential medical impacts of long-term substance use.
In-depth Interview
A physician, psychiatrist, or other addiction specialist or healthcare provider may conduct an interview regarding drug use.
Teen and Young Adult Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Newport Healthcare
At Newport Healthcare, we address substance use disorder by helping young people process past trauma and replace destructive behaviors with healthy coping skills. Rather than addressing symptoms alone, we guide young adults to dig deeper so they can create the foundation for a thriving, substance-free life.
Clients uncover the root causes of their problem drug use and learn coping and emotion-regulation skills to support ongoing recovery. Teens and young adults develop healthy ways to work with challenging emotions rather than using substances to self-medicate.
One of the primary benefits of substance use disorder treatment in a residential treatment center is connection with others who are also on the healing journey. Newport Healthcare also has a robust alumni program, providing support groups and resources to help ensure ongoing recovery.
Our addiction treatment does not include withdrawal management (“detox”). Clients come to Newport after completing medical detox. Our program is the next step to support them in achieving long-term healing and recovery.
Addressing substance use alongside mental health
What Our Rehab Treatment Includes
Psychiatric and Clinical Care
- Psychiatric care and medication recommendations for co-occurring mental health issues
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift unhelpful thinking and build coping skills
- DBT-Informed Skills to increase stress tolerance
- Attachment-Based Family Therapy to rebuild disrupted family relationships so young people can rely on their parents and other loved ones for support
- EMDR to heal from underlying trauma that may be contributing to substance use
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy to break through resistance to treatment
Experiential
Modalities
- Mindfulness and meditation to help balance the nervous system, including yoga and reflection exercises
- Creative art therapies, including music therapy and art therapy, to enhance self-expression and process trauma that may be contributing to substance use issues
- Adventure therapy to empower young people to handle challenges and master new skills
- Community service, as doing good for others is proven to increase life satisfaction and well-being
Academic, Career, and Life Skills Support
- Accredited academic component for teens, and assistance with college applications and admission
- Support with career planning, resume building, and planning next steps
- Life skills training, including daily skills for independent living
- Executive functioning support, to enhance emotional regulation, organization skills, and self-awareness
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance use?
Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary call with one of our admissions experts and explore next steps.
Our Team of Experts
At Newport Healthcare, our team of addiction and mental health specialists includes psychiatrists, therapists, teachers, registered nurses, and more. Many of our clinical professionals at our drug treatment centers for teens and young adults bring their own stories of recovery and healing to their work.
Our team of industry experts provides results-driven treatment, delivered with compassion and led by personal experience. We are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
From Our
Chief Clinical Officer
Our staff’s clinical expertise is matched only by their compassion and desire to see lives changed. They offer unconditional love that supports clients’ self-worth and self-acceptance as they do the work of healing.
Barbara
Nosal
,
PhD, LMFT, LADC
Where to Find Our Rehab Centers
Newport Healthcare locations are in close proximity to multiple cities across the United States. We treat adolescents ages 12–18 and young adults ages 18–35 (depending on location) from all 50 states and abroad, providing a full continuum of care.
Our residential treatment centers offer serene environments, within beautiful natural settings, where young people can find long-term healing and recovery from substance use disorder and related mental health conditions. Our outpatient programs are located in major metropolitan areas, with easy access for young people and families.
Newport Healthcare’s substance use disorder programs for ages 12–18 and 18–35 are located in Northern and Southern California, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington State, and Wisconsin, with more programs in development in areas where mental health and substance use treatment are most needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs of addiction include increased tolerance, cravings, constantly thinking about using the drug, and loss of interest in other activities you used to enjoy.
Substance use disorder in teens and young adults is often a symptom of an underlying mental health issue. Young people who experience pain and distress as a result of anxiety, depression, or trauma may use drugs as a way to numb the pain.
The five Ds are typically used as a way to cope with nicotine cravings, but for some people may be useful while in recovery from other substances. They are Delay (wait a few minutes to see if the craving passes); Distract (do something that takes your attention away from the craving), Drink water (this can help reduce cravings and ease symptoms); Deep breathing (to create relaxation); and Discuss (connecting with a sponsor, therapist, or support group).
Addictions to marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs are the most common substance use issues.
First, initiate a calm and open conversation with your child about their drug use. Let them know you’re worried about them and assure them that you are there for them no matter what. If you have concerns after this conversation, the next step is to schedule an evaluation to determine whether your child would benefit from a teen or young adult rehab program. Rehab will not only change your child’s life for the better, it may even save their life.