There are several reasons why methods of young adult drug rehabilitation have to be targeted specifically to this age group in order to succeed. The targeted population is young men and women between 18 and 25 years of age. Their brains will not fully develop until the age of thirty.

Permanent Damage

Alcohol or any other form of addiction before the brain is fully developed can cause permanent damage. This is a huge problem. In 2000, more than 100,000 men and women between 18 and 25 were in rehabilitation. The actual number of people in this group who had addiction problems but who lacked the resources to get a place in a program was likely much, much higher.

The Three Priorities

Psychologists describe three key tasks that an individual completes during their formative years. These are to find a mate, to become independent from their parents and to identify their life’s work. Being distracted by an addiction or other mental health problem interferes with this natural progression.

12 Steps

Many rehabilitation programs employ the now-familiar Twelve-Step program. This was established originally to help alcoholics overcome their addiction and its associated problems. First, they admit that they are powerless over their addictions. Next, they acknowledge that there is a higher power in whom they can find strength to overcome their problems. Finally, they are encouraged to make a list of those who have been damaged by their actions and to find them and make amends.

Gender

The problems and needs of women who need rehabilitation are different from those of men. Physiologically, women become addicted more easily than men. Alcoholism or drug use can draw them into destructive relationships. They require special treatment with regard to their gender and age.There are programs that are aimed specifically at men. Men in this age group need to establish their identity while negotiating the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. Young men also need to be understood.

The Atheist and Rehab

The 12 Step paradigm that forms the basis of so many intensive outpatient programs is based on the belief in a higher power. What provision is made for atheists who do not acknowledge the existence of such an entity or those who prefer not to apportion blame for their difficulties? Finally, recovering from addiction is fraught with enough difficulties and they do not need the added burden of feeling like a failure for not subscribing to certain beliefs. This population responds well to methods that have a foundation in science. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavior Therapy and Motivation Enhancement Therapy have all been demonstrated to be effective in this particular population.