Addiction Treatment for Young Adults in Southern California

Young Adults and Substance Use

Although organizations have different definitions for the term “young adults,” the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) characterizes this population as those aged 18 to 25.¹ Regardless of exactly how you define the population, however, young adults typically face major changes as they transition from high school to higher education and/or work—and into adult experiences that can include marriage, kids, career development, and more.

This period of transition is also when many mental disorders—should they occur—begin to develop.² In fact, results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that 6% of adults 18 and older (15.4 million people) had a serious mental illness in the last year. Among this group, the percentage was highest in the 18 to 26 age group.¹

Along with mental health issues, several factors can influence substance use in young adults, from emotional changes and exploration to an increased propensity for risk-taking and vulnerability to mental health conditions.³ Perhaps not surprisingly, almost almost half of young adults in the 2022 NSDUH had either a mental health illness or substance use disorder in the past year. And regrettably, only 4.8% of young adults (or 1.7 million people) in the study received substance use disorder treatment in that same timeframe.¹

Considering the statistics, substance use disorder treatment is of prime importance to this specific age group. And meeting the needs of this unique generation is paramount.

Rehab for Young Adults in Southern California

Drug and alcohol treatment for young adults offers a rehab option specifically geared to this unique population. In effect, it allows members of this distinct age group to connect with one another in ways that might otherwise be difficult in mixed age gatherings.

Rehab centers for young adults in Southern California and elsewhere allow patients to share experiences, goals, and struggles unique to this particular stage of life. Doing so often helps patients to develop meaningful connections with one another. While such bonds with older adults is certainly possible, the shared life experiences of today’s young adults often make this bonding faster and easier.

Additionally, rehab centers with programs geared toward young adults can help remind patients in this age group that they’re not alone. They have age-group peers facing many of the same challenges—and seeing many of the same successes—as they are.

Why Choose Laguna’s Evidence-Based Treatment Center for Young Adults?

Laguna Treatment Hospital is a leading, upscale rehab facility in Southern California that features top-quality, evidence-based treatment and exclusive amenities and accommodations. Addiction experts provide individualized services, including hospital-based detox and inpatient care as well as special services for co-occurring disorders and unique populations such as Veterans and first responders.

Laguna’s young adult recovery program appropriately combines multiple approaches to encourage healing, including individual therapy and family therapy, life-skills training, and alternative therapies. Specifically designed for young people, the program creates a space to relate with each other while developing skills and building the tools to sustain long-term recovery.

Young Adult Treatment Program at Laguna

Addiction recovery looks different for everyone. That’s why several levels of care are available to meet you where you are in your recovery journey. Laguna Treatment Hospital offers safe medically assisted detox and inpatient residential treatment.⁴

During detox patients receive monitoring and care to ensure they are as safe and as comfortable as possible during the initial phase of recovery. Meanwhile, inpatient treatment provides highly structure care 24 hours a day, including a plethora of counseling, therapy, and educational opportunities.⁴

Young adult inpatient rehab is often similar to inpatient care for older adults in terms of its therapies. However, Laguna Treatment Hospital provides age-based group counseling, peer groups, and education that specifically caters to the needs of the 18 to 26 age group.

Laguna’s inpatient rehab for young adults can include:

• Medication assisted treatment (when appropriate).
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders.
• Individual, group, and/or family counseling.
• Access to 12-Step programs.
• Various therapies e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more.

Types of Holistic Therapy for Young Adults at Laguna

Laguna’s rehab program for young adults blends multiple types of therapy, holistic programs, and specialized services to meet each patient’s needs. Your typical day-to-day could include any or all of these evidence-based therapies:

• Trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Trauma can play a huge role in substance use. CBT helps patients understand and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can also help young adults identify what leads to their substance use and build coping skills to manage these behaviors, promoting long-term sobriety.⁴
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). With DBT, people learn how to regulate their emotions and improve significant relationships. DBT provides the tools for young adults to learn how to manage their emotions without using drugs or alcohol to cope with them.⁵
• Motivational interviewing (MI). MI increases a person’s motivation to change and can help young adults explore their reasons for wanting to change. Therapists often use MI to help patients develop a plan for change and encourage engagement in treatment.⁴

Holistic programs that focus on nurturing the mind, body, and soul can be essential for young adults in recovery. Laguna’s treatment approach helps young people develop a solid foundation for recovery in a space where they can feel comfortable exploring different activities. Laguna’s holistic activities include:

• Yoga and mindfulness.
• Expressive therapy.
• Nutrition education.
• Health and fitness.

Laguna Treatment Hospital also provides other impressive amenities, such as a fitness center, a pool, indoor and outdoor recreational activity areas, and community spaces. Along with the young adults program, Laguna also offers other specialized services that address the challenges of unique populations such as Veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Many times, people struggle with an SUD alongside physical and/or mental health conditions.⁴ Laguna takes a comprehensive approach, providing services and treatment for co-occurring disorders.

After initial treatment, staff can also assist patients with aftercare planning and transitional housing assistance, and an alumni program is available to help patients stay in touch, fostering support for themselves and others in recovery.

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults at Laguna Treatment Hospital

If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about Laguna’s young adults program or you’re ready to start treatment today, contact an admissions navigator at .

If Laguna Treatment Hospital doesn’t seem like a good fit for your needs, American Addiction Centers (AAC), Laguna’s parent company, offers multiple facilities scattered across the country. Providing evidence-based treatment, each facility within our network takes an individualized treatment approach and has unique amenities and services. Also note that while Laguna Treatment Hospital has a young adult program, it also welcomes and provides services for adults of all ages.

Starting your journey to recovery is a huge, potentially life-changing step. Contact AAC at to learn more treatment, verify insurance benefits, and more. Our caring staff is available 24/7 for a free and confidential conversation that can help you or a loved one take the first steps toward recovery today.