Coming to treatment for addiction can be a difficult decision: leaving the comforts of your home, being away from loved ones, putting jobs on hold, etc. But being young in recovery often presents its own unique challenges. That is why it is important to find a treatment program that offers a unique approach for individuals approximately 18-26 years old.
It is generally agreed that young adults who suffer from addiction have more difficulty achieving [and maintaining] sobriety than their adult counterparts. Often, young adult patients require additional structure, guidance, and accountability. A critical element of an effective treatment program is one that is designed to meet the specific needs of a young adult.
It needs to consist of a healthy balance between therapy and much needed accountability. The right place will be able to utilize a system which allows for there to be a therapeutic approach while still allowing natural consequences for behaviors to take place in a structured environment.
Another component of a good young adult treatment program is that there be a family department designed to support those who are back home. Ideally, family counselors would meet with patients and their family members weekly to identify and work through family of origin issues that often play a significant role in the young adult’s current life and addiction.
This also speaks to the unique challenges family members of a young adult in recovery face. Being a parent of a young adult patient presents with the normal fears, but there are often additional worries, especially for those young adults who were living at home prior to coming to treatment or being financially supported by their parents.
Family counselors can walk family members through the often scary, but relieving experience of their loved one being away at treatment. New ways of communication can be established and healthy, appropriate boundaries can be set with the help of a family therapist. There is often a gap between the young adult in treatment and the family members back home. A skilled family counselor can be the bridge that connects the two.
When completing a treatment program, young adults often don’t know what direction to go in. Some are overwhelmed with legal consequences that limit their options, others know they cannot return to that big university where they used to “party”. Some come to the realization they need to be more responsible, move out of mom and dad’s house, and become independent.
An invaluable component to a young adult program is the option to transition to a ¾ way living environment. This type of transition can give the young adult additional time to work on recovery in an environment with others who are doing the same.
The bottom line in looking for a program to help treat alcohol or drug addiction is to find a place that will meet your individual needs. There are many programs out there; find the one that is right for you!