Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs among young adults due to its acceptance in most societies. In most instances, people take this drug for recreational purposes in social gatherings. However, prolonged usage of this drug can lead to physical dependence, whereby one cannot control their consumption. Recognizing alcoholism in young adults can be challenging, but identifying it may help one get professional help at Oceanfront Recovery.
Signs of Alcoholism in Young Adults
Various physical and behavioral signs can help one detect alcoholism in young adults. However, some of the symptoms may be hard to identify if a person uses the drug in secrecy. The level of dependency may determine the nature of signs that a user may depict. One of the most common symptoms of addiction among young adults is defending their drinking behavior. For instance, one may say that they take alcohol to relax or reduce stress. In other instances, a person may choose to drink over other crucial activities, such as attending school.
A person struggling with alcoholism may isolate themselves from their family and friends. They may also avoid social gatherings and show decreased interest in activities they enjoyed previously. In some cases, one may change his/her appearance and choose to be around people who drink alcohol. Another common sign of alcohol addiction in young adults is engaging in risky behavior. For example, one may drive a vehicle or operate machinery while drunk.
Furthermore, a person can continue drinking even if the behavior affects their lifestyle and relationships. Alcohol addiction can also lead to withdrawal symptoms when a person is not drunk. Such symptoms include shaking, headaches, anxiety, hallucinations, and nausea.
Dangers of Alcoholism in Young Adults
Abusing alcohol can result in a wide range of issues that may impact a person’s life. For instance, drinking makes a person more prone to the risk of accidental injuries. Alcohol also impairs a user’s judgment, influencing them to make irrational decisions. Such include engaging in risky sexual behavior, which also exposes one to the risk of assault. Alcoholism may also lead to legal problems in case a person engages in criminal activity, such as trespassing. A person can also lose their job due to negligence and behavior influenced by alcohol usage.
Prolonged drinking may lead to health complications such as liver damage and digestion problems. Additionally, alcoholism affects the structure of the brain, causing reduced body coordination. For example, one may experience numbness, reduced balance, and slurred speech. Drinking alcohol at an early age also increases the likeliness of developing high blood pressure.
Treatment for Alcoholism in Young Adults
Obtaining treatment for alcohol addiction can improve a user’s mental and physical well-being—moreover, this step aids in identifying the factors that influence their drinking behavior. A person can also learn ways to avoid relapsing after completing treatment. One of the most crucial steps in alcohol addiction treatment is detoxification. This procedure involves getting rid of the toxins that accumulate in a person’s body due to alcohol abuse. After alcohol detox, one can join a customized alcohol addiction treatment program to help them maintain sobriety.
Some of the most common alcohol addiction treatment plans are;
- Intensive outpatient program
- Residential treatment program
- Women’s rehab program
- Men’s rehab program
- Aftercare program
Recognizing alcoholism in young adults can help them seek professional help and live a drug-free life. At Oceanfront Recovery, we provide customized treatment programs for alcohol addiction. All our facilities have a design that maximizes the safety and comfort of a patient during recovery. We also supplement our treatment with various therapies to improve mental health. Some of the therapies we offer include cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy. Call Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477 to join or enroll a loved one in an alcoholism treatment program.
