Substance Abuse in Young Adults: 6 Risk Factors For Young Adult Addiction

Young adults navigate a complex period of life marked by significant physical, mental, and social shifts. This vulnerability makes them particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of substance use. Continue reading to learn about the signs of substance abuse in young adults as well as common risk factors for young adult addiction.

How Common is Substance Abuse in Young Adults?

Young adult substance abuse and addiction continue to be a growing problem in the United States. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 1 in 7 young adults had a substance disorder. The survey also discovered the following statistics:

• Approximately 1 in 11 is a heavy drinker (binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past 30 days).
• Approximately 1 in 10 had an alcohol use disorder.
• Approximately 1 in 13 had an illicit drug disorder.
• Approximately 1 in 17 had a marijuana disorder.

Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that young adults (ages 18 to 25) are among the biggest abusers of opioid pain relievers, ADHD stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs:

• Approximately 1 in 14 used hallucinogens.
• Approximately 1 in 17 used cocaine.
• Approximately 1 in 18 misused opioids.
• Approximately 1 in 22 misused prescription benzodiazepines.
• Approximately 1 in 125 used methamphetamine.
• Approximately 1 in 200 used heroin.

Signs of Substance Abuse in Young Adults

The signs of substance abuse in young adults can vary depending on various factors (which we will discuss later in this blog). However, generally speaking, a young adult who misuses or becomes dependent on a substance will likely exhibit one or more of the following symptoms and behaviors:

• Feeling that you have to use the substance regularly (daily or several times a day).
• Having intense urges for the substance that block out any other thoughts.
• Needing more of the substance over time to get the same effect.
• Taking larger amounts of the substance over a longer time than you intended.
• Make certain that you maintain a supply of the substance.
• Spending money on the substances even when you can’t afford it.
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities because of substance use.
• Cutting back on social or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Continuing to use the substance with the knowledge that it’s causing problems in daily activities or physical or psychological harm.
• Failing in attempts to stop using the substance.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop using the substance.

6 Risk Factors For Young Adult Addiction

Young adults often undergo several physical, mental, and social transitions. When substance use comes into that equation, it can play a significant role in shaping an individual’s brain development, self-esteem, and self-awareness. Taking preventative measures can be just as important to battling substance abuse as recovery treatments.

Understanding how young adults are impacted by substance use and the common risk factors for young adult addiction plays a crucial role in preventing serious conditions from developing. Below, read more about the common factors that can enable young adult substance abuse.

1. Genetics

Every person has a unique combination of gene variations, however, some of these variations can make them more or less susceptible to addiction. While there isn’t a single genetic change that causes addiction, many studies show that genes can significantly influence substance abuse. For example, individuals who have a first-degree relative with a substance use disorder are 4 to 8 times more likely to develop problems with addiction.

2. Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behaviors

While often used interchangeably, impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors are two different things. Impulsivity is the tendency to act on urges or desires in the moment without considering the potential consequences. On the other hand, risk-taking behaviors often involve seeking excitement or thrills even when danger is present.

Having poor impulse control can significantly increase the risk of young adult substance abuse since it often makes it more difficult for them to resist urges and cravings. Similarly, heightened sensation-seeking individuals are more likely to misuse substances in search of stimulation or intense experiences.

3. Low Self-Esteem

Young adults who struggle with low self-esteem can also be more vulnerable to developing substance use disorders. Having a negative perception of oneself and one’s abilities can lead individuals to use substances as an escape from feeling inadequate, worthless, or unlovable.

Low self-esteem can also affect an individual’s ability to think clearly and make healthy decisions. Some individuals may seek validation through substances, and addictive behaviors can often provide a distorted sense of achievement or acceptance.

4. Trauma and Stress

Experiencing trauma and high levels of stress can increase the risk of addiction. Events that are deeply distressing or disturbing can overwhelm an individual not only in the moment but for a long period after the initial trauma. This can lead to high levels of stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms like self-medication.

Additionally, childhood trauma can interfere with an individual’s brain development. Oftentimes, this is done by disrupting the development of the brain’s reward system. When this happens, individuals can become susceptible to the rewarding effects of addictive substances.

It’s important to note that stress without experiencing trauma can also make an individual more vulnerable to substance misuse. Without healthy coping skills, it can be difficult for individuals to deal with stressors from work, relationships, family, etc.

5. Family and Home Life

Early childhood experiences can lead to addictive behavior. Children often look up to their parents and mimic their behaviors. When children notice family members misusing substances or showing favorable attitudes toward substance use, they are more likely to develop those behaviors, too. Parental styles can also impact young adult substance abuse. Little or too much supervision can lead to risk-taking behaviors, especially the misuse of substances.

6. Friend Groups

Peer pressure can play a large role in enabling substance misuse in young adults. Teenagers and young adults often go to great lengths to fit in and feel accepted by their friends or peers. If an individual’s social interactions rely on the use of substances, they are at a greater risk of developing addictive behaviors.

Furthermore, feeling isolated from their peers or experiencing bullying can also lead to substance abuse in young adults. When individuals lack strong support systems, they may search for comfort in substances as a way to cope.

Oftentimes, substance use is glamorized and sometimes marketed in the media. Social media can negatively impact young adults. Being exposed to this can not only ignite curiosity but also give individuals the false sense that some substances aren’t as dangerous as they seem. As a result, young adults may become more likely to experiment with substances.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Youth

As we mentioned above, there are many risk factors for young adult addiction, many of which are psychological factors. Young adults with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and panic disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be more vulnerable to misusing substances. Oftentimes, substance abuse or self-medication is seen as a way to cope with symptoms they may not understand.

In the same respect, studies have shown that young adults are at a greater risk of developing a mental health disorder if they become dependent on substances. This could include experiencing depression, anxiety, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempts, and possible fatalities.

When an individual has a mental health disorder in addition to a substance use disorder, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder.

Co-occurring disorders typically cause individuals to experience more severe symptoms, lower treatment participation and response, elevated rates of relapse (for both conditions), and a generally worsened prognosis.

As a result,  most mental health professionals will suggest a variety of therapies and treatments to help individuals recover from co-occurring disorders. Doing this allows young adults to work on their mental and physical well-being. Some examples of these include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Relapse Prevention
• Psychoeducation

Interested in learning more? Check out our free mental health resources.

The best way to identify and address substance abuse in young adults and a potential co-occurring disorder is to be alert and know the warning signs. In doing this, parents and guardians can be ready if or when a problem arises.

Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the suicide prevention and crisis hotline, call us at 610-480-8919, or seek medical help at your local emergency room immediately. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, contact our team to see how we can guide them through recovery.