Collegiate Adult Addiction Treatment

The journey through college is one filled with hope, discovery, and the thrill of independence. As young adults step onto campus for the first time, they’re greeted by experiences that will shape their future—academically and personally. Yet for many, this exciting transition also presents exposure to risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, which can quickly impact dreams and derail well-being.

At Promises Brazos Valley, we understand the profound challenges that can arise during these pivotal years. Addiction is an illness that can affect anyone, regardless of ambition or background. We are deeply committed to offering compassionate, effective addiction treatment designed specifically for young adults. Our goal is to help each individual reclaim their sense of hope, build resilience, and embrace the promise of a healthy, fulfilling life ahead.

Understanding addiction in young adults

The pressures facing young people in higher education are immense. College students often navigate academic deadlines, new friendship circles, and significant personal growth while learning to balance newfound freedom. According to the National Center for Drug Statistics, 43% of college students report using illicit drugs, and about 20% of young adults regularly misuse alcohol. These numbers highlight how common substance misuse has become among this age group.

Unfortunately, substance use during these impressionable years can rapidly evolve into a more serious issue. About 10 million individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 require treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) in a year, yet only one in 10 actually receives help. For many, stigma and lack of resources can make it hard to reach out for college addiction recovery or young adult substance abuse help.

The roots of substance use in college life

Multiple factors contribute to the rise of substance use among college students. Academic expectations, peer pressure, and even the constant flood of curated social media content can all take their toll. In some cases, college-age individuals may turn to substances as a way to cope with mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, or the aftermath of trauma.

It’s common for young adults navigating these emotions to feel isolated or uncertain about where to turn for support. When left unaddressed, these patterns can result in a dangerous cycle that affects academic performance, relationships, and overall wellness.

The effects of substance use among young adults

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol contributes to the deaths of thousands of young people each year in the United States. Recent data reveals that this includes 1,519 college students aged 18 to 24, as well as 2,586 individuals in the same age group who lose their lives due to alcohol-related unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents.¹

The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) further highlights the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among young adults. Over 15% of individuals aged 18 to 25 met the criteria for past-year AUD, including 14.5% of full-time college students and 15.3% of their non-college counterparts in this age range.²

Estimating the number of alcohol-related sexual assaults remains an immense challenge due to the widespread underreporting of such incidents. However, research consistently shows that one in five college women experience sexual assault during their time on campus. Alarmingly, alcohol or other substances play a significant role in the majority of these cases.²

The earlier we intervene, the better the chances of restoring hope and getting students back on track toward graduation—and lasting recovery.

Catering to the unique needs of college students in recovery

Every young adult’s story is different, which is why college addiction recovery programs must be flexible and people-focused at their core. At Promises Brazos Valley, we work with each student to build care plans centered on their experiences, goals, and well-being. Recovery for a college student looks different than recovery for older adults; it requires a deep understanding of the social, emotional, and developmental milestones unique to this phase of life.

Academic success, personal relationships, and future careers all hang in the balance. Our team is dedicated to creating student substance abuse treatment options and an environment where students feel seen, valued, and supported from the very first day.

Community through collegiate rehab programs

Community support is one of the cornerstones of healing—and truly sustainable recovery. At Promises Brazos Valley, we welcome clients into a safe, home-like setting that feels comfortable and familiar.

Peer connection is powerful, particularly for young people. To foster safety and open sharing, our facility provides gender-separated lodging and supportive groups of clients of similar ages. This structure offers:

• A sense of belonging and understanding
• Opportunities to develop healthy friendships and positive influences
• Reduced risk of feeling isolated or misunderstood

Through group sessions and age-appropriate schedules, young adults connect with peers facing similar struggles, building bonds that promote healing and accountability.

Family education and student substance abuse treatment options

We also know that family involvement can make a significant difference. That’s why our programs include weekly family therapy sessions, during which students and their loved ones come together for shared education, deeper understanding, and mutual support on the path to sobriety.

Recovery isn’t a solitary journey. Loved ones are key in early identification, encouragement, and lasting change. Along with weekly family therapy, we offer ongoing resources and communication with parents, guardians, and partners—ensuring everyone is supported throughout treatment and beyond.

Specialized assessment and individualized care

Promises Brazos Valley is proud to offer a full continuum of care for young adults seeking addiction support. Our team combines clinical expertise, evidence-based therapies, and genuine compassion to create a holistic healing environment:

• Every student begins with a thorough assessment. Our professionals review academic, mental health, and substance use history to create a tailored roadmap for success.
• Care plans are adaptive and regularly updated to reflect changing needs.
• We address co-occurring mental health disorders, offering integrated care for trauma, depression, anxiety, and more.

Whether this is your first experience with treatment or you’re supporting a loved one, you can count on our commitment to your future.

Evidence-based college addiction recovery programs

Recovery requires both structure and flexibility. Our programs offer individual and group therapy sessions, including modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. These therapies support young adults by helping them develop healthy coping skills to manage stress and triggers, increase self-awareness and improve emotional regulation, and build effective problem-solving strategies for academic and everyday challenges.

Flexible schedules to support student success

We recognize that students are balancing coursework, jobs, and campus life. Our team works alongside each young adult to develop practical schedules that allow for consistent attendance without jeopardizing their academic aspirations.

Ongoing campus addiction support and aftercare

Getting sober is only the first step. Our commitment doesn’t end when primary treatment concludes. Promises Brazos Valley offers ongoing campus addiction support and alumni programming for graduates, empowering them to meet challenges and celebrate victories long after they leave our care.

Students have opportunities to:

• Join regular alumni events for continued connection
• Access check-in calls and support groups
• Receive guidance as they transition back into independent campus or university life

Choosing to recover at a university rehab center for young adults

Some students need more intensive levels of care. University rehab centers for young adults, like Promises Brazos Valley, are equipped to handle a range of challenges—from severe substance use to complex mental health needs.

Whether a student plans to return to campus or explore new directions, our discharge planners collaborate directly with educational institutions whenever possible. This seamless approach helps ensure:

• Minimal disruption to academic goals
• Coordinated communication with professors, advisors, or disability services
• Increased confidence for students as they resume their academic journey

Young adult detox services and clinical support

Detox is a crucial first step for many students entering treatment. Young adult detox services provide a safe environment where students can withdraw from substances under careful medical supervision. Our compassionate staff prioritizes comfort, dignity, and reassurance, making the process as smooth as possible.

Key features of our detox and medical support include:

• 24/7 nursing and access to physicians
• Personalized withdrawal management plans
• Mental health counseling throughout the process
• Peer and family engagement to decrease feelings of isolation

Detox is only the beginning. Once students are stabilized, they transition seamlessly into the next appropriate level of care, supported by a team that understands young adult needs every step of the way.

Collegiate rehab programs: Building a brighter future

Collegiate rehab programs do more than support immediate recovery—they foster lifelong change. Our clients gain valuable skills to support their personal growth and well-being through comprehensive education, advocacy, and holistic care. They learn to set healthy boundaries with friends and roommates, develop daily routines promoting sobriety, advocate for themselves in academic and social settings, and reconstruct their identities with a renewed sense of hope, dignity, and self-respect.

Promises Brazos Valley is proud to be part of the network of higher education addiction services. We’re committed to meeting students wherever they are—emotionally, academically, and spiritually—with unwavering support for a brighter future.