Young adulthood should be full of opportunities, like going to college, starting a career, and making important connections. But for a lot of young adults who are addicted to alcohol, these years are dominated by a cycle that seems impossible to overcome. The party culture on college campuses, social pressures, and stress from big life changes can all make drinking seem like a simple way to get away from it all. People that drink casually don’t realize that they become dependent on it.
The CDC reports that alcohol is the most used substance among American youth, and nearly 1 in 5 people aged 12–20 have consumed alcohol. This early exposure contributes to higher addiction risks in young adulthood — when the brain is still developing.
You’re not the only one if you’re a parent watching your child suffer or a young adult trying to find a path out. The good news is? It is possible to get better, and Medication Assisted Treatment is a proven way to do so that uses both science and compassion.
Why are young adults more likely to become addicted to alcohol than other age groups?
To be honest, the twenties are hard. Young folks are more likely to get addicted to things since their brains are still growing until they are about 25. The prefrontal cortex, which helps you make decisions and manage your impulses, isn’t fully grown yet. Add to that the stress of figuring out who you are, being independent, and dealing with peer pressure, and you’ve got a perfect storm.
Young adults sometimes don’t realize they have an issue until it has a big effect on their lives. They could believe that everyone drinks like they do or that they can stop whenever they choose. But alcohol use disorder doesn’t care who you are, and it becomes worse faster in younger people since their brains are still growing.
What does medication-assisted treatment do, and how does it help?
It’s not enough to just take a pill and hope for the best with Medication Assisted Treatment. It’s a complete plan that includes counselling, behavioural therapy, and FDA-approved drugs. Think of it as helping your body while your mind learns new ways to deal with stress.
For people who are addicted to alcohol, medical assisted therapy for alcohol usually includes drugs like:
- Naltrexone blocks alcohol’s rewarding effects, which can lower the urge to drink.
- Acamprosate helps restore the balance of brain chemistry after drinking for a long time.
- Disulfiram makes people feel bad when they drink alcohol, which stops them from doing it.
These drugs operate in different ways for different people. Some young adults do better with one medicine than another, which is why tailored treatment programs are so important. The drugs help make things more equal by lowering the physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make early recovery so hard.
Can medications really take the role of willpower in recovery?
A lot of individuals think that Medication Assisted Treatment is cheating or taking the easy way out. That is not true at all.
No matter what tools you use, it takes a lot of bravery to get better. Drugs don’t perform the work for you; they give you an opportunity to do it yourself. Think about how hard it would be to understand mathematics if someone was always yelling in your ear. When your body is full of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it’s hard to focus on getting better.
Alcohol medication-assisted treatment stops that noise. It helps young adults to:
- Take part more fully in therapy sessions
- Learn how to deal with problems in a healthy way without being distracted all the time
- Rebuild trust and connections with family members
- Focus on school or work goals
- Take care of mental health problems that are causing anxiety or depression.
The counselling part is equally as important as the medicine. Therapy helps young adults learn how to recognize their triggers, deal with stress, and form a support network that lasts after treatment.
How do young adults get medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders?
Young folks have different demands than elderly people. A 22-year-old college student has distinct problems than a 45-year-old working person. That’s why programs for young adults with substance use disorders that employ medication to help them get better look at things like:
- Relationships with peers and social settings
- Changes in school or work
- Changes in family dynamics and ways of communicating
- Having more than one mental health issue at the same time
- Options for telehealth and technology integration
Programs that focus on treating young adults make sure that patients feel understood and not condemned. They know that shame and stigma are big reasons why people don’t ask for help, especially this generation.
Where can young adults get this kind of treatment?
It is important to find the correct remedy. If you’re looking for Medication Assisted Treatment for addiction or comparable services in your region, seek for programs that say they have experience with young adults who have alcohol use disorders.
Good treatment programs should have:
- Full medical evaluations
- Personalized medication management
- Therapy methods that are based on evidence
- Options for family participation
- Planning for aftercare and getting continuous help
Don’t be afraid to ask about the program’s success rates, the staff’s qualifications, and what a typical week looks like in the program. The appropriate fit makes a big impact in how well someone recovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does treatment with medication last?
Treatment length varies from person to person. Some young adults only need pharmacological help for a few months, while others may need it for a year or more. Your treatment team will work with you to figure out the best schedule based on how you’re doing and what you need.
2. Do I have to keep taking these medicines forever?
No, the idea is to use medicine as a tool during the healing period when people are most at risk. You and your doctor will make a strategy for how to progressively lower or stop taking medication when it’s right for you as you learn how to deal with things and build a stable base.
3. Does insurance cover MAT?
Most insurance policies pay for medication-assisted therapy for alcohol addiction. It’s a good idea to call your provider or the billing department of the treatment center to find out what your plan covers.
4. Can I still go to school or work while I’m getting treatment?
Of course, a lot of programs let you choose when you want to go, even if it’s at night or over the phone. This is so that young adults may keep going to school or work while they are getting treatment.
Key takeaways:
Medication Assisted Treatment is a scientifically proven way for young adults who are addicted to alcohol to get better that works on both the physical and mental sides of addiction. Keep this in mind:
- Young adults are more likely to become addicted to alcohol because their brains are still developing and they are dealing with stress in their lives.
- Medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders combines FDA-approved drugs with counselling and behavioural therapies.
- Medications help young adults fully engage in their recovery by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Plans for treatment should be tailored to the specific needs of young adults.
- Recovery is attainable, and asking for help is a show of strength, not weakness.
Take the First Step Toward Getting Better Today
It’s awful to see alcohol take over your life or the life of someone you care about. But here’s the truth: getting better starts with the choice to ask for help.
We focus on offering compassionate, evidence-based Medication Assisted Treatment that is tailored to the specific requirements of young adults at Iris Health Clinic. We know how hard it is for you, and we’re here to help you every step of the way, from the first assessment to your long-term rehabilitation.
Don’t wait for things to go better on their own until another day. They won’t, at least not without help. But with the correct care, young adults may and do totally recover and go on to live lives that are even better than they could have imagined.
Call Iris Health Clinic today to set up a private appointment. Let’s talk about how medication-assisted treatment can help you or someone you care about stop drinking and get back on track with the life you want. Now is the time to start your recuperation.