Contact Us

Opioid Addiction in Young Adults Recognizing and Treating Drug Use

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: February 19, 2023

Young adults remain one of the populations most vulnerable to opioid misuse, with abuse rates rising sharply after the age of 18. Although opioid-related deaths occur at a lower rate in this age group, opioids continue to be a major cause of death among otherwise healthy young adults. This stage of life is also when many individuals first begin developing patterns that can lead to addiction.

The encouraging news is that opioid addiction in young adults can be treated before it takes control of a person’s future. For young adults to receive effective opioid addiction treatment, it is important to recognize the causes and warning signs of addiction, along with the steps that can help prevent it from worsening.

What are opioids?

Opioids are a category of medications commonly prescribed to manage severe pain. In some situations, healthcare providers determine that the benefits to a patient’s quality of life outweigh the possible risks associated with these drugs. Opioids are most often used to treat chronic pain, terminal illnesses, and serious injuries. Common drugs classified as opioids include:

Prescription opioids:

  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
  • Meperidine (Demerol®)
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana®)

Illegal and street opioids:

  • Heroin
  • Opium
  • Krokodil (desomorphine)

Learn more about opioid addiction and available treatment options on our site.

Young adults and the Opioid Epidemic

Many aspects of a young adult’s life can affect their risk of misusing drugs. Research shows that several factors are commonly linked to opioid misuse, including:

  • Poverty or unemployment
  • High levels of stress
  • Risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior
  • A personal or family history of substance abuse
  • Younger age
  • Criminal activity or legal issues
  • Frequent exposure to high-risk people or environments
  • Conflict with employers, family members, or friends
  • Mental health conditions
  • Heavy tobacco use

Curiosity, peer influence, and the desire to fit in with friends are also common reasons young adults experiment with opioids. In many cases, opioid use starts as a coping mechanism for anxiety, anger, depression, or boredom. For some young adults, getting high becomes a temporary escape from the pressures and challenges that come with adult life.

Who is at risk for opioid abuse?

Although many factors can contribute to opioid misuse, the three biggest risk factors for opioid addiction are:

  • Young age (18–25)
  • Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
  • A history of alcohol or substance abuse

Because these risk factors often overlap, many individuals struggling with opioid addiction may fall into all three categories at the same time.

Why Young Adults Abuse Opioids

Adults between the ages of 18 and 25 experience the highest rates of nonmedical opioid use, and more than half of young adults who misuse opioids get them from friends or family members. In comparison, only about one-quarter obtain opioids through a prescription.

As young adults get older, access to opioids often becomes easier. At the same time, the brain is still developing during this stage of life, making young adults more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug use. Many also have fewer long-term responsibilities, which can make it easier to rationalize opioid misuse.

Depression and anxiety are also common among young adults, yet many may not recognize the symptoms or feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Friends and family members may assume everything is fine if their loved ones avoid talking about their emotions. Research further shows that alcohol and drug use within the family can strongly influence whether a young person begins using substances themselves.

How to spot opioid addiction in young adults

Recognizing drug addiction in young adults can be challenging because some signs of opioid abuse may resemble common behaviors often associated with this age group, including:

  • Mood swings
  • Unusual sleep patterns
  • Withdrawal from family and loved ones
  • Risk-taking behavior
  • Changes in appetite

However, certain warning signs are more closely linked to opioid misuse, such as:

  • Visiting multiple doctors to obtain the same prescription
  • Experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • Periods of nervous or hyperactive energy followed by extreme fatigue

Confronting young adults about opioid addiction

Heart-to-Heart Conversations

When you notice signs of addiction in a loved one, one of the most important first steps is having an open and honest conversation about the issue. People struggling with substance abuse may not recognize the severity of the problem, even when it is obvious to those around them. A sincere heart-to-heart discussion with someone they trust can be the beginning of the recovery process.

Opioid Addiction Intervention

If a personal conversation is not enough, a formal intervention may be necessary. The goal of an intervention is to create a supportive and structured path toward recovery while motivating the individual to accept treatment.

During an intervention, group members should provide clear examples of destructive behaviors connected to their loved one’s addiction. Each participant should also explain the actions they are prepared to take if treatment is refused.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing opioid addiction in young adults is that it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Many young people avoid seeking help because they may not realize they are addicted or fear the stigma associated with substance abuse. Early intervention can play a critical role in preventing an overdose. If you believe a young adult in your life may be misusing opioids, it is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and know when to contact emergency services.

Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Improving access to mental health care for young adults is essential in addressing both opioid addiction and underlying mental health disorders. Young people need supportive environments that provide access to addiction resources and encourage them to seek professional help when needed.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications that help reduce opioid cravings and support long-term recovery by making sobriety more manageable. Common medications used in MAT include methadone, naltrexone (Vivitrol®), buprenorphine, and Suboxone®.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

In 2021, approximately 4 million young adults — or 13.5% of this population — experienced co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In these situations, mental illness and substance abuse often worsen one another. A dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both conditions simultaneously, helping individuals build a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.

Behavioral Therapy Options

There are several evidence-based approaches that fall under behavioral therapy for addiction treatment. Addiction therapists work to uncover the underlying causes of substance abuse while guiding individuals toward healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Effective therapy can help address past trauma and build the coping skills and mindset needed to support long-term sobriety.

After Opioid Addiction Treatment

Providing ongoing support is an essential part of recovery for young adults overcoming addiction. This support may include family therapy, peer support groups, and career or educational guidance. Many experts believe that addiction is closely connected to a person’s inability to form meaningful relationships and healthy connections with others. Continued encouragement, understanding, and support after treatment can help young adults rebuild their lives and maintain long-term recovery.

Young Adult Opioid Rehab Near Me

Arizona IOP is recognized as one of the leading drug rehab centers in Arizona, offering a comprehensive range of therapies designed to effectively treat opioid addiction in young adults. Our experienced master’s-level clinicians use evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health challenges. Contact our addiction specialists today to learn more about a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

If the cost of treatment is a concern, you can also use SAMHSA’s free treatment locator to find accessible addiction recovery resources and support services in your area.