Perhaps you or a loved on is wrestling with problematic substance use. If so, you are not the only one facing this battle. Evidence indicates that drug use has increased across most generations, genders and demographics in the United States, reaching alarming levels. In 2017, an estimated 38% of adults in the United States were wrestling with an illicit substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2018). While American drug use is on the rise overall, there is notable increased drug use found amongst young adults (especially from affluent families), women and baby boomers. The increased use of substance use in young adults parallels the increasing occurrence of the phenomenon often referred to as failure to launch syndrome, sometimes also described as the Peter Pan syndrome. This entry will highlight the role of addiction found in young adults with failure to launch syndrome and the 9 ways working with a recovery coach can provide help for families, as well as the addict.
Failure to Launch Syndrome
While not a formal diagnosis, failure to launch syndrome impacts young adults (more often men than women) who demonstrate an inability to pursue an independent lifestyle. Consequently, the young adult remains dependent upon parents who in turn often feel obligated to accommodate, remaining stuck in a cycle of accommodation, resentment, frustration and anger. While it is not possible to determine how many families are impacted by failure to launch syndrome, findings from a study conducted in 2017 by the Pew Research Center sheds some light in revealing that 36% of young adults of the ages 18-31 were living at home with their parents.
Addiction and other contributing factors
Young adults struggling with failure to launch syndrome often have concomitant mental health disorders, such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. While the early onset of mental health problems may precipitate failure to launch, the experience of being developmentally stuck exacerbates the underlying disorders. Unable to develop age appropriate coping skills, the young adult is left feeling vulnerable and searching for relief. Relief is often found in problematic gaming and/or substance use, typically marijuana and alcohol. Marijuana use further exacerbates the symptoms of failure to launch syndrome as it can increase lack of intrinsic motivation, anxiety and stunt emotional development.
A Recovery Coach Can Help
A Recovery Coach is a trained and certified addiction professional who will collaboratively work with you and your family to navigate the unique challenges encountered by the the interaction of addiction and failure to launch syndrome. A Recovery Coach will provide a thorough assessment to help you and your family identify your strengths, challenges and needs to determine the best path forward. Upon completion of an assessment, here are nine ways a recovery coach will be able to help you and your family.
Education
Your Recovery Coach will be able to provide you with accurate information about addiction, recovery and the failure to launch syndrome. He will explain to you the impact of addiction on brain development and the manner in which addiction hijacks the brain furthering the continuation of dysfunctional behaviors. He will also educate you on the family dynamics, such as enabling and accommodation that keep your loved one stuck in self-destructive behaviors.
Support
Your Recovery Coach will provide you with support and also guide you towards creating support for yourselves and addicted loved one. Your Recovery Coach will help you connect with 12 Step Support such as Families Anonymous and help prepare you for your initial meetings.
Creating Healthy Boundaries
Your Recovery Coach will guide you in creating and maintaining healthy boundaries that don’t accommodate failure to launch syndrome nor enable addiction. In fact, the boundaries you will create will enable growth and recovery for all family members.
Assessment, Referral and Intervention
Ongoing assessment beyond the initial assessment will help determine if your addicted loved one is ready for treatment or would benefit by an intervention. If treatment ready, your Recovery Coach has extensive knowledge about treatment programs nationwide and will be able to facilitate an appropriate referral. If an intervention is necessary, your Recovery Coach will identify an interventionist to work with your family to help your loved one become treatment ready.
Case Management
Once your loved one has entered treatment, ongoing efforts of your Recovery Coach include case management ensuring that your addicted loved one obtains the appropriate services every step of the way and that all treatment providers are working collaboratively. Informational updates will be provided to family members along the way.
Structured Family Recovery
Once your addicted loved one is in treatment, the family is supported in their own continued growth and healing through an innovative approach to family work called Structured Family Recovery. Structured Family Recovery is takes place via a weekly conference call wherein all family members are actively encouraged to develop their own recovery and self-care plans. This dynamic action oriented approach to family recovery helps your family recover together.
Navigate Aftercare with a Recovery Guide
Once your addicted loved one has completed residential treatment, a Recovery Coach can help them navigate the demands and challenges of early recovery. A Recovery Coach will help your addicted loved one create a positive, sober support network and prevent relapse. The work of a Recovery Coach is often in tandem with 12 Step participation, an outpatient program, psychotherapy and ADHD coaching. Your Recovery Coach will make the necessary referrals and ensure that there is communication and collaboration amongst the treatment team.
Relapse Prevention
Your Recovery Coach will help families and their addicted loved one develop a plan that helps them protect and maintain their recovery. The plan will include the identification of warning signs, triggers and actions to be taken in order to prevent relapse. Additionally, if a slip were to take place the recovery team will be activated to help family members quickly get back on track in their journey of recovery.
Forgiveness and Hope
A seasoned Recovery Coach will help you and your family move beyond old hurts and resentment by achieving understanding, change and forgiveness. Furthermore, from the first moment of your work with a Recovery Coach, you will justifiably feel a profound sense of hope that change is possible and that you and your loved one will become unstoppable.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
