Why Are So Many Teens and Young Adults Addicted to Opioids?
Opioid abuse across the United States is being called an epidemic, and the effects are devastating. It’s more than a public health crisis: it’s a deeply personal struggle for many young people. From prescription painkillers to street drugs like heroin, opioid use has increased massively among teens and young adults, leaving their families searching for answers as to why.
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The Rise of Opioid Addiction in Young People
Opioids were initially a solution for managing extreme pain. However, they have quickly become one of the most widely abused drug classes globally. This is particularly prevalent in young people; the 18 to 25 age group has one of the highest rates of misuse of both legal and illicit opioids.
Prescription painkillers are often the starting point. But their highly addictive nature can quickly make them more dangerous. Opioids such as heroin and fentanyl are some of the most challenging addictions to kick, which is only compounded by ease of access and a lack of awareness of the dangers.
How Social Media and Stress Contribute to Substance Use
With social media’s influence on society, young adults and teens today face more pressure than previous generations to be perfect and succeed at any cost. Many young people turn to substances as a way to cope with stress, numb anxiety, or even beat boredom bred of an instant gratification-fueled world.
Online platforms also expose teens to substance use normalization through friends, music, or influencers. This further encourages experimentation with drugs and drinking alcohol. As it’s become more ‘normal’ to dabble in substance use, the rates of misuse and addiction have risen.
The Link Between Mental Health and Opioid Use
Studies show that a significant number of young people with opioid use disorder also struggle with mental health conditions. These include co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Some may begin using opioids to self-medicate, trying to find relief from emotional pain or trauma. Unfortunately, this cycle of reliance only deepens addiction.
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The Sandstone Care Approach
The clinical team at Sandstone Care has extensive experience treating opioid use and dependence in adolescents and young adults, along with co-occurring disorders. Here are a few ways we approach treating opioid use disorders and addiction.
Thorough Assessment
Effective opioid treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation, considering an individual’s history, mental health, and personal challenges. A thorough assessment helps create a tailored plan that addresses both substance use and any underlying concerns.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Opioid addiction develops for many reasons—genetics, prescription use, or environmental influences. Treatment plans should be flexible, evolving with progress, setbacks, and new insights. Experts should adjust plans to meet individual needs.
Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Many young people struggling with opioid addiction also face mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Treating both simultaneously with evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT, improves long-term recovery outcomes.
Opioid-Specific Treatment Considerations
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help manage withdrawal and cravings, but it’s not the only option. A balanced approach weighs the benefits and risks. Additionally, education on harm reduction strategies like naloxone (Narcan) helps prevent overdoses.
Adolescent-Specific Treatment Considerations
Since adolescent brains are still developing, opioid use can have lasting neurological effects. A treatment program should foster a supportive environment with peer connections, healthy boundaries, and engaging activities that promote long-term recovery.
Highly Qualified Clinical Team
An effective treatment team includes licensed professionals specializing in addiction and adolescent mental health. A combination of clinical expertise and compassionate care helps young people feel understood and supported.
Academic and Vocational Support
Education and work struggles can both contribute to and result from substance use. Addressing these challenges helps young people regain confidence, build purpose, and create a foundation for life beyond addiction.
Family-Focused
Family involvement plays a key role in recovery. Supportive programs help families understand addiction better. These programs also strengthen relationships and create healthier dynamics that foster long-term success.
Hope for Young People Facing Opioid Addiction
The first step of the journey is often the hardest, but recovery is possible with the right support. Understanding the causes—stress, mental health struggles, or social pressures—helps break the cycle.
With evidence-based care and a strong support system, teens and young adults can reclaim their lives and build a future free from addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out to Sandstone Care for help today.
Online Treatment Programs
Our virtual IOP program offers the same programming that we offer in person, all online – this is ideal for those who live too far to drive to an addiction center, have transportation issues, or have health concerns that make in-person treatment challenging.
