Young Adult

Common challenges:

• Increased access to alcohol in college, work, or social settings
• Social pressure to drink, “fitting in” with peers
• Experimentation and curiosity about effects

Quick tips:

• Discuss consequences for brain and body: Even young adult brains are still developing; alcohol can affect memory, decision-making, and reaction time.
• Encourage responsible choices: Emphasize moderation, safe transport, and avoiding risky drinking situations.
• Share personal values and limits: Modeling moderation and responsible behavior sets an example.
• Use media examples: Discuss alcohol portrayals in social media, movies, or ads critically.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “What do you think about how much people drink at parties?”
• “Have you ever felt pressured to drink? How did it feel?”
• “Let’s talk about ways to have fun without drinking too much.”

Signs to watch for:

• Drinking to cope with stress or emotions
• Blackouts or memory gaps after drinking
• Isolation from peers who do not drink or sudden changes in friend groups

Common challenges:

• Academic, work, or relationship stress
• Identity exploration and self-doubt
• Social comparison on social media

Quick tips:

• Maintain open communication: Check in regularly without judgment.
• Normalize mental health support: Encourage therapy or campus/community resources.
• Promote self-care and stress management: Exercise, sleep, hobbies, mindfulness.
• Model healthy coping: Show how you manage setbacks calmly.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “I noticed you seem down lately. Want to talk about it?”
• “What helps you relax when life feels stressful?”
• “Have you thought about talking to a counselor or peer support?”

Signs to watch for:

• Drop in work/school performance or attendance
• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Expressions of hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed

Common challenges:

• Pressure to look a certain way on social media
• Comparison with peers or celebrities
• New concerns about fitness, weight, or appearance

Quick tips:

• Emphasize body functionality: Focus on what the body can do, not just appearance.
• Encourage critical media literacy: Question unrealistic body ideals online.
• Promote healthy routines: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “How do you feel when scrolling through social media?”
• “What do you like about what your body can do?”
• “Let’s talk about realistic goals for health and fitness.”

Signs to watch for:

• Negative self-talk or extreme dieting/exercise
• Avoidance of activities they once enjoyed
• Frequent comparison with others

Common challenges:

• Difficulty with focus, planning, or multitasking
• Emotional sensitivity or frustration from cognitive changes
• Fatigue or headaches affecting work, study, or social life

Quick tips:

• Support organization: Use calendars, apps, reminders, and structured routines.
• Encourage pacing: Break tasks into smaller steps to reduce overwhelm.
• Promote safe physical activity: Low-impact exercises that don’t overexert.
• Maintain empathy and patience: Discuss limitations and strategies openly.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “What helps you remember important deadlines?”
• “How are you managing fatigue after school/work?”
• “Would breaking this task into smaller steps help?”

Signs to watch for:

• Avoiding tasks or social situations
• Increased irritability or frustration
• Persistent cognitive or physical fatigue

Common challenges:

• Online harassment or cyberbullying
• Peer or workplace exclusion, social pressure
• Romantic or dating-related conflicts

Quick tips:

• Encourage open discussion: Ask about experiences without judgment.
• Develop strategies: Role-play responses to harassment or pressure.
• Promote empathy and kindness: Discuss the importance of respecting others online.
• Know reporting resources: Campus, work, or community supports for harassment.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “Has anything online made you uncomfortable recently?”
• “What would feel like a safe way to handle that situation?”
• “Who could you reach out to if this happens again?”

Signs to watch for:

• Secretive online activity or sudden withdrawal
• Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
• Avoiding previously enjoyable social activities

Common challenges:

• Access to online betting and apps
• Peer or social exposure to gambling culture
• Underestimating financial risks

Quick tips:

• Discuss risks: Gambling can quickly become addictive and costly.
• Set clear expectations: Avoid gambling and online betting apps.
• Teach financial responsibility: Budgeting, saving, and managing money.
• Encourage healthy alternatives: Sports, hobbies, or games without money involved.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “Have you thought about how much time or money you’re spending on betting?”
• “What’s a fun way to challenge your skills without risking money?”

Signs to watch for:

• Hiding money or gambling activity
• Spending more time gaming/betting than intended
• Increased stress or irritability around gambling

Common challenges:

• Peer pressure and experimentation in social or college settings
• Increased access to prescription or street drugs
• Curiosity about effects or stress relief

Quick tips:

• Discuss risks openly: Highlight short- and long-term effects on health and legal consequences.
• Set clear boundaries and family expectations: Safety comes first.
• Offer alternatives for stress relief: Exercise, creative projects, or hobbies.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “What would you do if someone offered you a substance?”
• “How do you handle stress when things feel overwhelming?”
• “Do you know what the risks are for that drug?”

Signs to watch for:

• Secrecy about social groups or activities
• Mood changes or withdrawal from usual interests
• Signs of physical or cognitive impairment

Common challenges:

• Transition to college, work, or independent living
• Relationship changes or family stress
• Identity exploration and social comparisons

Quick tips:

• Support planning and decision-making: Include them in choices where possible.
• Normalize mixed emotions: It’s okay to feel excitement and stress at the same time.
• Maintain routines and social connections: Stability helps manage change.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “How are you feeling about this change?”
• “What can help make this transition easier?”
• “Who can you rely on for support right now?”

Signs to watch for:

• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Stress-related physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)
• Mood swings or irritability

Common challenges:

• Pressure from social media and digital comparison
• Overuse of screens affecting sleep, focus, or mood
• Cyberbullying or risky online behaviors

Quick tips:

• Discuss digital literacy: Privacy, respectful communication, critical thinking about content.
• Model balance: Set boundaries for tech use and encourage offline hobbies.
• Promote creativity and learning: Use media for positive growth.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “How do you feel after scrolling social media?”
• “What’s something fun or creative you’ve done online recently?”
• “Have you seen anything online that bothered you?”

Signs to watch for:

• Excessive screen time or obsession with followers/likes
• Mood swings linked to tech use
• Avoidance of offline responsibilities

Common challenges:

• Navigating dating, friendships, and professional relationships
• Peer pressure, loyalty conflicts, or boundary issues
• Romantic breakups or emotional challenges

Quick tips:

• Discuss healthy relationships: Boundaries, respect, and communication.
• Encourage empathy: Consider others’ feelings and perspectives.
• Support problem-solving: Guide decision-making without controlling it.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “How do you feel about your friendships or romantic relationships?”
• “What does a healthy relationship look like to you?”
• “Have you ever felt pressured to do something uncomfortable?”

Signs to watch for:

• Isolation or withdrawal from friends
• Overextending to please others
• Changes in mood or behavior around relationships

Common challenges:

• Increased sexual curiosity or dating exploration
• Pressure from peers or media
• Access to sexual content without context

Quick tips:

• Provide accurate, age-appropriate information: Consent, contraception, STI prevention.
• Normalize questions: Let them know curiosity is healthy.
• Discuss healthy boundaries: Respect, safety, and personal comfort.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “Do you have questions about relationships or sexual health?”
• “How do you know if a relationship is safe and respectful?”
• “What are your thoughts about what you see in media or online?”

Signs to watch for:

• Anxiety or embarrassment about sexual health topics
• Risky sexual behavior without guidance
• Exposure to sexual content without context

Common challenges:

• Stress, social pressure, or feeling isolated
• Understanding personal identity and life challenges
• Mental health struggles increasing risk

Quick tips:

• Keep conversations open and non-judgmental: Ask directly but kindly about thoughts.
• Promote coping skills: Journaling, mindfulness, peer support, or counseling.
• Reduce stigma: Normalize seeking help and discussing mental health.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “You’ve seemed down lately — want to talk about how you’re feeling?”
• “What helps you feel better when you’re stressed or sad?”
• “Do you have someone you can reach out to if things get tough?”

Signs to watch for:

• Withdrawal from friends, school, or work
• Talking about death, self-harm, or hopelessness
• Sudden mood changes or risky behavior

Common challenges:

• Peer influence and social experimentation
• Curiosity about vaping, cigarettes, or nicotine products
• Early social pressure in college or work environments

Quick tips:

• Discuss short- and long-term risks: Health, addiction, and social consequences.
• Practice refusal skills: Role-play saying “No” confidently.
• Promote independence: Emphasize choosing health and control over habits.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “What do you know about the risks of vaping or tobacco?”
• “Have you ever felt pressured to try it?”
• “What’s a healthier way to handle stress or fit in socially?”

Signs to watch for:

• Experimentation with friends or new social circles
• Hiding cigarettes, vapes, or related items
• Changes in energy, cough, or breathing

Common challenges:

• Balancing academics, work, relationships, and social life
• Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity may be inconsistent
• Mental health and self-care often deprioritized

Quick tips:

• Encourage balanced routines: Sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
• Support emotional wellness: Regular check-ins and stress management.
• Promote active lifestyle: Sports, walking, or hobbies.

How to respond / Conversation starters:

• “How have you been taking care of yourself lately?”
• “Are you getting enough sleep, food, and exercise?”
• “What helps you recharge when life feels busy?”

Signs to watch for:

• Chronic fatigue, poor diet, or sedentary habits
• Mood swings or social withdrawal
• Increased stress or physical complaints