Addiction is a complex disease. However, if you are a young man, you are at a higher risk for addiction. While your experience of addiction is unique, there are certain tendencies in young men that play a role in this increased risk for addiction. Finding addiction treatment that can help you build skills that mitigate this risk is important. However, you may wonder, “How can I find alcohol rehab near me?” Fortunately, many treatment centers can help you to recover, and finding one that is near you will help you to build a solid foundation that will decrease your risk of relapse and lead to a happier and more fulfilled life.
9 Causes of Alcohol Addiction That Cause Young Men to Need Alcohol Rehab
Your experience with alcohol addiction is unique. However, as a young man, certain elements play a role in your higher risk of alcohol addiction. This includes the many realities of being a young adult. During this time, you are still exploring how life will look outside of your parent’s home. Your stage of personal and physical development plays a role in how addiction affects you.
1. A Time of Transition
As a young man, you are in a time of transition. You may have recently moved out of your parents’ place, started living alone, or are getting your first full-time job. Regardless of the specifics, you are making choices and changes. While this can be an exciting time, it can also be stressful. As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains, this transitional period puts you at a very high risk of binge drinking and alcohol addiction, as about 35% of young adults between 18 and 25 years old participate in binge drinking.
2. Identity Exploration
Due to the many changes you are experiencing in your life, it is natural to explore and expand your identity. You may be living in a new city and forming new relationships that shape how you see yourself. While this is a wonderful and natural part of growing up, it can lead to alcohol abuse. Spending time with social groups with heavy alcohol can seem cool, and you may start to see yourself as someone who is part of the crew. However, as you explore your identity, remember that your actions can impact you for a long time.
3. A Self-Focused Period
Naturally, you are focused on yourself during this period. As a young man, you are enjoying your time, making new relationships, and discovering new parts of life. However, this self-focus does have its downsides. It can stop you from seeing the negative effects your alcohol use is having on others.
4. Newfound Independence
While living with your parents, they likely helped to create guidelines and guard rails (so to speak) for you. However, as a young man, you have newfound independence. This new sense of freedom can lead you into situations you have previously been shielded from, including those that include alcohol abuse.
5. Suppression of Emotions That Can Lead to a Need for Alcohol Rehab
Negative emotions are a part of life. However, as a young man, it is understandable to want to push them away and just have a good time. Unfortunately, this desire to suppress emotions can lead to alcohol use, and it is common for young men like yourself to use alcohol as a way to dull discomfort and pain. Ultimately, learning self-care strategies will help you to get through these challenges stronger.
6. Thrill Seeking
If you’re like most young men, you love a good thrill. This can range from watching a scary movie to using drugs and alcohol. While the draw toward thrilling experiences is not inherently a problem, it can sometimes lead to trouble.
7. Desiring Social Acceptance
As a young man, alcohol is often a means of social acceptance. This can be due to the sense of relaxation you feel from alcohol, which helps you to feel more comfortable in social situations. However, it can also be a way to blend in. When everyone else is drinking, it is easier to also drink.
8. A Quick Solution With Long-Term Need for Alcohol Rehab
For many young men, alcohol can act as a quick solution. This is especially true if you are experiencing any mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. Reaching for a substance for a quick solution may seem easy at the moment, but remember that it leads to long-term issues that often require alcohol rehab to address.
9. Genetics
Your genetics play a role in your risk for addiction. However, as a young man, you are taking the first steps toward controlling your environment. This is important because your environment can set you up for success or failure. While your genetics may predispose you to addiction, you can make changes in your social and personal environments to protect yourself.
Finding Alcohol Rehab Near Me
If you have found yourself struggling with addiction like so many other young men, it is okay. You can attend alcohol rehab and heal. Finding alcohol rehab near you can seem daunting. However, asking for help from a therapist, parent, or friend is a great place to start. Remember that there are many options out there and that taking the first step of asking for help will take you further than you can imagine.
As a young man between the ages of 18-25, you are highly susceptible to addiction. However, you can get help to build a foundation of mental health and become strong while you are young. This will help you in all of your future endeavors, whether personal or professional. At Buena Vista Health and Recovery Centers, we offer treatment that is well-suited for young men and individualized to meet every client’s needs. We can help you to build skills that mitigate these risks while helping you recover from addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we can help. Call us today at (480) 741-9414 to learn more about the programs we have available for young men.
