Alcohol addiction is a serious chronic health condition that can affect anyone, including young adults. For those in the 18 to 25 age group, risky drinking behaviors like binge drinking are a major contributor to a higher susceptibility to alcohol dependence and addiction. Although alcohol consumption is common among young people, addiction is a considerable concern, so it is important to know the risks of binge drinking and how to address alcohol addiction in young adults.
If you or someone in your life needs young adult rehab in Texas, Promises Behavioral Health has the residential and outpatient support you need to overcome addiction. To learn more about our full range of treatment options, give us a call at 17135283709, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist.
How Common Is Alcohol Addiction in Young Adults?
Alcohol addiction is more common in young people than you might think. An estimated one in four people between the ages of 18 and 25 have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It can be a bit tricky to detect whether a young adult has an alcohol addiction, though, since drinking is so often a part of socializing.
Here are a few ways to tell if a young person might be addicted to alcohol:
- Increased tolerance, requiring larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication
- Frequent cravings for alcohol
- Secretive behavior regarding how much alcohol one consumes
- Neglecting work, home, or school responsibilities
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors, sweating, nausea, depression, anxiety, and irritability
- Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences
If you spot the above signs in someone you know, consider talking with them about their alcohol consumption and whether they might need to enlist the help of professionals to cut back or quit.
The Risks of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking refers to consuming large amounts of alcohol within a short period. More specifically, it is defined as:
- Four or more drinks within two hours for women
- Five or more drinks within two hours for men
For a young adult at a party or other social event, drinking this quantity of alcohol can easily occur, especially if their peers are also drinking heavily.
Some of the risks of binge drinking include:
Mental Health Concerns
Alcohol abuse can increase the chances of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. If a young person already struggles with one of these conditions, binge drinking can temporarily mask their symptoms but will eventually exacerbate them.
Physical Health Issues
When people are in their teens and twenties, they may not be too concerned with the long-term health effects of their actions. However, if they continue to binge drink for years, they will become vulnerable to liver damage, cardiovascular problems, weakened immune system, and increased risk of accidents and injuries. Chronic alcohol abuse also has the potential to shorten one’s life span.
Academic and Professional Consequences
Whether they attend school or work a part-time or full-time job, young people who frequently binge drink may start to struggle to keep up with their responsibilities. This can result in poor grades or a decline in work performance, both of which can threaten financial stability or opportunities.
Enroll in Young Adult Rehab at Promises Behavioral Health
Alcohol addiction is a prevalent concern among young adults, but getting a handle on it early can help prevent a long-term struggle. For young adult rehab in Texas, you can count on the professionals at Promises. Reach out at 17135283709 to learn more about how we can help you or a young person in your life overcome alcohol addiction.
