Addiction, especially among our youth, is a topic that, due to a long-standing stigma, is often hidden in plain sight. It’s a tough subject, but one we can’t ignore and should rather normalize conversations around it, just like we do with other health topics. Many young people are silently struggling, and the signs aren’t always obvious.  

Let’s dive into what addiction really looks like, why young people might turn to substances, and how we can better support them.  

Addiction doesn’t discriminate; it affects anyone—regardless of age, personality, or lifestyle. It may manifest as excessive drinking, drug use, gambling, or vaping, often hidden behind a facade of normalcy.  

Addiction doesn’t start because someone lacks will or has messed up. Most of the time, it begins quietly and slowly — maybe to numb feelings and deal with stress or trauma, maybe out of curiosity or experimentation, maybe just to fit in, or because of peer pressure. And then, somewhere along the way, it takes hold. What used to feel like a choice starts to feel like survival.  

But addiction is addiction: it leads to loss of control over their lives that can have devastating consequences. Substance use can worsen mental health issues, like ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and cause physical health problems, including liver and heart issues down the line. 

Signs of addiction can manifest through physical changes such as cravings, a red face, shakes, increased use, and withdrawal symptoms like aches, pains, diarrhea, and nausea—especially with opioids. Behavioral shifts include jitters, nervousness, insomnia, isolating oneself, drinking alone, hiding behaviors, avoidance, withdrawal, and numbness. Emotional and social indicators often involve secretive behavior, avoiding family and friends, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and sudden mood swings or irritability. 

Take Jason, who started treatment at 16 after battling fentanyl addiction. His journey involved trauma, crossing borders, and losing contact with support. His story highlights addiction’s complexity and its ties to trauma. “I was lost using Fentanyl to numb my feelings. Once I realized, I was already too deep,” Jason says. 

Recovery is possible with commitment, structure, meaningful activities, and purpose. 

BUT IS RECOVERY HARD? At first, it’s a bit difficult. Not because people don’t want to get better, but because healing takes time. Recovery isn’t just about quitting something. It is about learning how to live again — without the thing that helped you cope.  

Recovery is different for everyone. For some, it involves medication, therapy, and family support. For others it’s a 12-step group. What matters most is you do not have to face it all by yourself. And yes, there are setbacks. Falling back does not mean someone’s given up — it means they’re still in the fight. It means they’re human. Recovery isn’t some perfect upward climb; it’s messy, honest, and takes courage every single day. 

To help a loved one to recover, it’s vital to learn about addiction so families can support, not enable. Recognizing that someone needs help is the first step. Families often feel helpless, but resources like family therapy, Al-Anon groups, and trauma support systems are available. 

We all have a role to play in recognizing the signs of addiction and supporting those who are struggling. By increasing visibility, reducing stigma, and providing accessible resources, we can help young people find their way back to health and hope. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out.  

At Mary’s Center, we have a new program dedicated to helping young people overcome addiction. We walk alongside you, offering full medical care and the support of a committed care coordination team. Together, we can make a difference, make an appointment by calling (202) 253-1150.