Young adults are already navigating all the pressures that come with a newfound independence. The decision to go to a substance use treatment includes both challenges and opportunities. Breaking free of substance mis-use at an early age has shown to have high success rates as well as sets a foundation of wisdom and strength of which a young adult carries into life.
Substance use treatment for a young adult is a transformational experience. It offers critical insights not only for those undergoing treatment, but also for their families.
Here are 15 Points To Know: Substance Use Treatment For A Young Adult
- Early intervention. Addressing substance use disorders as soon as they are detected can prevent worsening addiction and lifelong consequences.
- It’s a process, not an event. Recovery is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Good programs will teach a young adult that success requires time and consistent effort. And to embrace progress over perfection, celebrating small victories while staying committed to long-term goals.
- Evidence-based approaches. Young adults should have access to a comprehensive set of evidence-based assessments, psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, harm reduction interventions and recovery services.
- Tailored Treatment. The treatment plan should be adapted to ones individual strengths and needs. No one treatment is effective for every person.
- Voluntary engagement. It is best for one to enter care voluntarily whenever possible. However, involuntary admittance is better than no care at all.
- Holistic approach. Addressing co-occurring mental health issues and providing comprehensive care is important for effective treatment.
- Strong support system. Family, friends and peer networks play a critical role in connections being the foundation for recovery success.
- Coping skills training. One of the core lessons in treatment is learning healthy coping mechanisms to replace substance use. Skills like mindfulness, stress management, and effective communication empower young adults to handle triggers and challenges without reverting to old habits.
- Understanding root causes. Substance use treatment should involves exploring the underlying reasons for the substance mis-use. Learning valuable insights into their behaviors, can prevent future relapse.
- Relapse is not failure. Relapse is a part of many recovery journeys. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, relapse rates can be anywhere from 40 – 60%. Young adults learn that relapse does not mean failure but rather an opportunity to reassess their recovery plan. This lesson reduces the stigma around setbacks and emphasizes the importance of persistence in maintaining sobriety.
- Structure and routine. The value of structure and routine in creating a stable environment reduces stress, clearing mental space to do the psychological work.
- Self-awareness. Helping young adults develop self-awareness will help to identify their triggers, emotions and thought patterns. This understanding allows them to make healthier choices and build emotional resilience.
- Opens doors to new opportunities. Recovery is not just about abstinence but about rediscovering life’s possibilities. We want to guide and show the possibilities that sobriety allows for education, careers, hobbies and relationships.
- Self-care is non-negotiable. Prioritizing self-care must become a life-style. Practices like getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously and getting exercise contributes to resilience and self-respect.
- Celebrate successes. The importance of recognizing and celebrating successes should be emphasized, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence. Confidence encourages continued progress in recovery.
Substance use treatment for a young adult will provide lessons that extend beyond sobriety. It helps in fostering personal growth, gives insight and self-discovery and sets the stage for stronger relationships. It’s recovery for life. For families navigating this journey, their meaningful support and encouragement is part of the collaborative effort of substance use treatment and recovery. With the right tools and mindset, young adults can thrive in their new chapter of life.
At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we guide, support and recommend placement options for treatment centers, nature-based therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and alternative education for adolescents and young adults. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.
© Therapeutic Educational Consulting
Photo by m-imagephotography
