Although there may be a larger percentage of people who misuse or abuse substances between the ages of 18 and 25, the more serious levels of addiction are usually reached after the age of 26. Evidence of this is shown in the fact that the highest percentage of people receiving treatment are aged 26 and older.
Perhaps there are multiple reasons for this, such as resiliency decreasing as the number of years go by, while tolerance increases. Therefore substance abusers continue to feel like they need more and more of their drugs of choice and cannot live without them. The eternal dichotomy of addiction is that the substances they feel they need to survive are the very things that are killing them.
That being said, percentages of new drug initiates (first time users) and occasional users are often higher in the teenage and young adult years. There is often a crossroads of maturity and desperation when it comes to addiction. This is why substance abuse prevention programs that actually work are so vital to our nation.
One couple that has struggled with addiction, and only found help as adults, works with other addicts to get them the help they need. Developing a community where other addicts can see that recovery is possible is one way for adults to seek and attain sobriety. “We can go to bed at night and think about all the things we did that day to make our family better. We have the tools to make our lives better and manage them. We don’t need drugs and alcohol to make it better anymore,” commented Stephanie Valenti in a recent story.
For those who are fortunate enough to get into treatment and follow their chosen direction to recovery, continuing on that path takes a lot of work. Recovery support from friends, family and groups can provide a much-needed lifeline.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn how we may be able to help.
