Young Adults Are Facing an Alarming Addiction Crisis
More young adults than ever before are developing drug and alcohol problems. This rise in substance use and abuse can be attributed to a myriad of reasons including mental health issues, peer pressure, and increased societal pressure. If you are worried about your teen, or another young person in your life, you are not alone. At HB Treatment in Orange County we provide the best available addiction treatment for youth, and we recognize the need for individualized addiction care treatment. Our team operates medically assisted treatment, mental health treatment, and evidence-based therapies dedicated to youth in a safe and open environment. Our adolescent program is designed for adolescents struggling with drug use or alcohol use disorder by providing them tools to get them back on track. If you are ready to take the first step, contact HB Treatment Today!
The Growing Need for Young Adult Addiction Treatment
How many young adults struggle with substance abuse? According to national data, millions of teens and young adults in the U.S. report using illicit drugs or binge drinking in the past year. The problem is significant, especially in urban and coastal areas like Orange County.
Youth go through big changes emotionally and mentally as they grow. Their brains are still developing, and early exposure to drugs or alcohol can cause serious long-term effects. These can include struggles with mental health, falling behind in school, and damage to personal relationships. That’s why it’s so important to intervene early with support that fits their age and needs.
Young adult addiction treatment focuses on much more than just physical detox. It also tackles emotional wounds, social pressure, daily stress, and underlying mental health conditions that often drive substance use. Addressing these areas gives young people a real chance to recover and rebuild their lives.
Our Orange County addiction treatment programs are structured to meet young people where they are. We off evidence-based care through inpatient rehab, outpatient services, and supportive therapies tailored to their needs.
Why Are Young People at a Higher Risk of Developing Addictions?
There are many reasons youth are especially at risk for drug addiction and alcohol abuse:
- Brain Development: The brain keeps developing into a person’s mid-twenties. Areas that control decision-making and self-control are some of the last to fully mature. Because of this, teens and young adults may act on impulse more often. This makes it harder for them to recognize the risks tied to substance use. As a result, they may be more likely to try drugs or alcohol without fully grasping the consequences.
- Peer Pressure: Wanting to feel accepted is something almost every teen goes through. When their friends are drinking or using drugs, many feel pressure to join in just to fit in. Even if they feel unsure, the fear of being left out can be overwhelming.
- Stress and Trauma: Many young people carry emotional pain from difficult experiences like family problems, bullying, or loss. When they don’t know how to manage these feelings, they often turn to drugs or alcohol to feel numb or escape their thoughts. For some, it gives them a brief sense of control in a world that feels overwhelming.
- Social Media Influence: Seeing posts online that make drinking or drug use look cool can push teens to try substances themselves. This kind of content often hides the real dangers and makes risky behaviors seem normal or even fun.
Our adolescent program at HB Treatment incorporates therapy to address these root causes. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family support, and group counseling. These are all vital in treating drug and alcohol addiction in young adults.
What Is the Number One Drug Used by Teens?
Marijuana remains the most commonly used substance among teens, followed by alcohol. However, the rise in prescription drug misuse, including opioids and benzodiazepines like Xanax, is alarming.
These substances are often easier to access and falsely perceived as “safe” due to their medical origins. Unfortunately, they can lead to severe dependency and overdose.
That’s why we incorporate Medically Assisted Treatment into our drug treatment and alcohol treatment programs when appropriate. This method helps stabilize withdrawal symptoms and supports safer recovery for those battling serious substance use.
Our programs help guide each young adult step by step toward recovery. We use proven treatments in a caring, structured setting where they feel supported.
Our Young Adult Addiction Treatment Programs in Orange County
At HB Treatment in Orange County, we help teens and young adults work through drug and alcohol issues. We also support those facing depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. We offer several levels of care depending on the individual’s needs:
1. Detox Services
Detox is the first step. Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Our medically supervised detox program keeps patients safe and monitored during this early phase.
2. Inpatient Rehab
For those needing structured care, our inpatient rehab provides 24/7 support in a safe and substance-free environment. Patients participate in daily therapy, group counseling, and recreational activities aimed at rebuilding healthy routines.
3. Outpatient Rehab
Our outpatient rehab option offers flexibility for young adults who can’t pause work, school, or family responsibilities. It includes regular therapy sessions, drug testing, and skill-building workshops.
4. Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many young adults face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. We offer integrated treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders to support lasting recovery.
5. Family Involvement
Addiction impacts the entire family. Our programs include education, counseling, and involvement opportunities to help families heal and strengthen communication.
Our Orange County addiction treatment services cover every step, from detox to long-term outpatient care. Each phase is designed to help teens and young adults find lasting stability and a healthier future.
How to Help an Addicted Young Adult
Recognizing that your child, sibling, or loved one is struggling with addiction is heartbreaking. But there are ways you can help:
- Start with compassion. Avoid blame and show them that you care and want to help.
- Educate yourself. Learn about substance use, mental health, and treatment options available in your area.
- Seek professional help. HB Treatment offers free consultations and assessments to determine the best path forward.
- Be involved. Recovery is a long-term process. Your consistent support can make a big difference in their motivation and outcomes.
If you’re wondering how to help an addicted young adult, start by reaching out to experts. The earlier they receive help, the better their chances of recovery.
Why Are Young People at Risk of Abuse?
Youth face numerous pressures—academic, social, emotional, and even economic. These stressors can make substances look like an easy escape. Many begin using substances to relax, fit in, or cope with mental health struggles. Over time, what starts as occasional use can evolve into dependency or full-blown addiction.
Another major factor is the normalization of drug and alcohol use in youth culture. Many teens don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. At HB Treatment, we use both education and therapy to break these harmful patterns early and provide real alternatives.
Does Gen Z Do Less Drugs?
Recent research shows some types of drug use have gone down in Gen Z compared to older generations. Still, vaping, prescription drug misuse, and alcohol abuse are common and concerning.
Gen Z often deals with anxiety, depression, and trauma. These mental health struggles make them more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope. Our addiction treatment programs reflect these challenges and provide support on multiple levels. We focus on both substance use and the emotional and mental health struggles that often come with it.
Your loved one may be dealing with alcohol addiction, drug use, or even both at once. HB Treatment offers youth-focused addiction treatment that’s safe and supportive right here in Orange County.
Get the Help At HB Treatment Centers
Young adults today face more stressors and temptations than ever. If your teen or loved one is battling addiction, help is available. HB Treatment offers addiction care built specifically for young people. We help youth and young adults in Orange County find real support and lasting recovery.
Don’t wait until it gets worse. Contact HB Treatment today for a free consultation. Your support could change someone’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many young adults struggle with substance abuse?
Millions of young adults in the U.S. engage in drug or alcohol use every year, with many developing patterns of addiction that require treatment.
2. What is the number one drug used by teens?
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among teens, followed closely by alcohol.
3. Why are young people at a higher risk of developing addictions?
Adolescents are more impulsive, emotionally vulnerable, and influenced by peers and media—factors that heighten their risk for addiction.
4. How can I help an addicted young adult?
Start by approaching them with support, learning about treatment options, and involving professionals who specialize in youth addiction care.
5. Does Gen Z use fewer drugs than past generations?
Some drug use rates are declining, but issues like vaping, prescription drug misuse, and co-occurring mental health challenges remain high in Gen Z.