Addiction is an illness that anyone could end up developing. No matter how old you are or what your background, you can be affected by addiction. With underage drinking a significant problem in the UK, it is no surprise that addiction to substances such as alcohol is affecting many teenagers.
If you are a young adult or teenager knowing that you have been drinking too much alcohol or believe that you have become dependent on drugs, you could be in a panic thinking that you have made a mess of your life and that it is too late to do anything about it. However, you are young and have your whole life ahead of you. The good news is that there are many organisations out there with passionate and caring staff that work hard to help individuals just like you.
No matter how serious you think your addiction is, it is possible to overcome it with the right help and support.
Deciding to Make a Change
It may be the case that your parents have noticed a change in your behaviour that is down to substance abuse. Maybe they have been expressing concerns that you are drinking too much, or they have questioned you about whether you are doing drugs. If this is the case, it is likely that you do indeed have a problem that needs to be addressed. It is usually only when other people notice the effects of substance abuse that those affected know it is time to get help.
If you are feeling nervous about getting help for addiction, then you should be aware that this is entirely normal. Most of those with substance abuse problems feel anxious or frightened about the prospect of getting help, and in most cases it is fear of the unknown.
Why Addiction Treatment is Easier for Teenagers
Adult addicts who have been abusing a substance for a long time may find it harder to overcome their addiction than a teenager would. Adults tend to spend a lot of time in denial about their illness, which can prevent them from getting the help they so desperately need. Nevertheless, teenagers are usually able to see that they need help more quickly than most adults do.
Another advantage that teenagers have over adults when it comes to addiction treatment is the fact that teen brains are still developing, and learning is something that comes easier to them. They may find that learning to live without alcohol or drugs is not as hard as it is for an adult.
Looking to the Future
If you have succumbed to drugs or alcohol at an early stage of your life, you have the benefit of having your whole life ahead of you once you overcome your illness. Remember that you can still do all the things you wanted to do because you still have youth on your side. For adults, it is much more difficult to move on because it is much harder for them to unlearn the behaviour and habits they have been relying on for so long.
Overcoming addiction is not going to be easy; it may be easier to you than it would be for an adult with decades of substance abuse behind them, but you should not expect this journey to be a walk in the park. Nonetheless, if you are prepared to commit to a programme of recovery and make every effort to change your behaviour, you could have a bright future ahead of you. You can continue your education and be whatever you want to be. Your future really is in your hands.
