Support For Your Child: National Recovery Month

September is National Recovery Month, which has been held every September since 1989. According to SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) website, this month is dedicated to celebrating the providers and communities who work with individuals and families to make recovery possible.

Originally dedicated to addiction recovery, SAMHSA has since broadened the celebration to include mental health and behavioral health. Since 2022, when the Biden administration dedicated funding to address mental health in America, they found that 2 out of every 3 adults whom have ever had a mental health disorder, consider themselves in recovery. 7 out of every 10 adults whom have ever had a substance use disorder, consider themselves in recovery.

One of the most important recovery principles is hope. Hope that the struggles can be overcome. Recovery efforts among teens and young adults is unique because it requires specific support from their parents.

Parents can support their child through practical, emotional and mental health strategies.

Understanding what recovery means for teens and young adults.

To understand the recovery process of teens and young adults, you have to recognize that this age group faces peer pressure on a level that most adults do not experience.

Often, if your child wants to be a part of the friend group, he or she is encouraged by peers to participate in the use of drugs or alcohol. At this stage of life, friends hold the most important role in a young person’s life. Losing these friends can cause feelings of loneliness and fear, especially if the child’s home life is not supportive.

Another barrier to recovery for young people is that the prefrontal cortex of the brain does not fully develop until the mid to late 20’s. This is the part of the brain used for higher cognitive functions including:

Reasoning
Planning
Problem-solving
Impulse control
Logical thinking
Working memory
Executive function

Your child’s brain is still developing, so he may have difficulty fighting the impulse to use substances. He may not be able to reason things out, recognizing that the choice he is about to make, is not a healthy choice. In addition to brain development challenges, teens and young adults face a variety of stressors such as school, social pressure, sports, leaving home to college or starting a career. Just one of these stressors can have an impact recovery.

Teens and young adults are less likely to get treatment for mental disorders.

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), despite increasing awareness, only 14.9% of children aged 5-17 receive treatment for mental health disorders. This gap leaves many teens to navigate their recovery without proper support, highlighting the crucial role parents can play in bridging that gap.

When teens experience mental health issues, they are more likely to turn to drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors to cope. Because of stigma, insecurities and simply not knowing how, adolescents are dependent on their parents to help get the support for recovery care.

According to SAMHSA, nearly 2 in 5 young adults do not receive treatment. Parents can’t really force their child to go for treatment, especially once they reach adulthood, so it’s important to provide support, options and encouragement.

Research shows that individuals in recovery who have strong family support are more likely to stay sober long-term. Even so, there are still gaps in treatment centers and their inclusion of family centered outreach. Many families lack resources, knowledge, referrals and the confidence to provide proper support during recovery or a crisis.

How parents can support their child during recovery.

What are some small things of which can add up to great changes, in order to support your loved one?

Celebrate their wins; even if they are small. No matter how small, acknowledging and celebrating the positives reinforces determination and a sense of accomplishment. It’s human nature; when we experience an accomplishment, we want more.
Support your loved one’s physical and emotional well-being by being present. Offer hope for a successful future by giving encouragement and support for the things that bring her joy.
Offer a stable home environment. Show the example of healthy, caring relationships and a stable home.
Set boundaries around any hurtful behaviors and follow through.
Encourage meaningful activities and social connections. Try volunteering for a cause you both believe in. Inspire your child to work towards de-stigmatizing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Your child can model love and acceptance, while also speaking about his struggles.
Help your child avoid succumbing to peer pressure by keeping the communication around her recovery open and honest.
Show examples of how to manage stress by personally exercising, meditating, eating well and setting small, achievable goals to prevent overwhelm.

The crucial role of parental support during recovery.

Parental support is a cornerstone of a teen or young adult’s recovery. The love, encouragement and stability that you provide creates a foundation for lasting healing.

Recovery is not just about overcoming the challenges of addiction or mental health issues; it’s about building resilience, fostering emotional well-being and offering hope for the future.

Recovery Month will continue to give special effort to educate others about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services. And that recovery is possible.

As September marks National Recovery Month, it serves as an important reminder that recovery is a collective effort. By being actively engaged in your child’s recovery, you not only help them thrive, you also contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders.

To discuss recovery treatment or sober living options schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant.

Photo credit, Apola