Although most people associate addiction with teenagers and young adults, addiction can happen to anyone at any stage in life. Drug and alcohol detox centers treat people of all ages for both drug and alcohol addiction. Numerous factors play into the correlation between age and addiction, such as changes in hormones, major life events, medical conditions, stress, genetics, or the environment.
The bottom line is that anyone who consumes prescription medication, illicit drugs, or alcohol can become addicted to these substances regardless of their age, gender, or background. To accommodate individuals with addiction, some treatment centers offer substance abuse treatment programs that are age-centered. Programs are available for teenagers, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and seniors here at Midwest Detox.
Adolescence
Adolescents are among the highest age group at risk of addiction. The earlier a child is exposed to drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are to get hooked. Teenagers are most likely to become addicted to alcohol, marijuana, and common street drugs that are easy to obtain. They also experiment with drugs using a variety of common household products. There are several reasons why teenagers become addicted to certain substances:
- Early brain development and susceptibility to addiction
- Pressure at school
- Peer pressure
- Problems at home
- A higher rate of experimentation and curiosity
- Limited recreational opportunities
Young Adults
Of all age groups, young adults age 18 to 25 have the highest rate of addiction. Many of these adults may not address their addiction until they reach their 30s or 40s. Consequently, they may maintain an addiction for more than a decade before finally checking into a drug addiction treatment program. Young adults drink for reasons that range from peer pressure in college to inability to deal with the daily pressures of managing work, family, or personal issues.
For young adults, many of life’s challenges at that age are brand new. Dealing with crippling debt, getting married, starting a career, and raising a child can be overwhelming. Drugs or alcohol may be an escape from these challenges. Many young adults also carry their teen addiction into their adult years, making it more difficult to stop drinking or taking drugs.
Middle-Aged Adults
As adults reach middle age, they take on a new set of challenges. Many adults reach the peak of their careers. They also experience unique problems in marriage and family and hormonal changes that produce anxiety and depression.
Adults at this age may have been developing a slow addiction to drugs or alcohol over the years. As a result, they and everyone around them have grown accustomed to their alcohol or drug habit. They may have even learned to function with their addiction. At their age, however, they need to consider going to a rehab center in Ohio to stop drinking or taking drugs before they experience long-term health problems.
Addiction and Seniors
For seniors, the biggest challenge is an addiction to prescription medication. A person who has a chronic medical condition or is recovering from an injury may turn to opioids to relieve the pain. Over time, this turns into a habit and then full-blown dependency on the drug.
Regardless of the potential for addiction in seniors, this age group is largely overlooked. Many seniors who have an addiction to drugs may not get the treatment they need to overcome their addiction. Consequently, they may suffer from health issues more quickly due to their aging bodies.
Get Help for Addiction at Midwest Detox Center
Regardless of your age or the severity of your addiction, treatment is available for your condition. Midwest Detox Center can help you overcome the challenge of age and addiction and help you get on the road to recovery. Call Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online to get started with your addiction treatment plan today.
