Emerging Adults and Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Emerging Adults and Substance Use Disorder Treatment is a groundbreaking book that delves into the societal shift in the timing of developmental tasks and its profound impact on treatment outcomes for substance use disorders. This book serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and practitioners in the field of mental health, providing a comprehensive review of the developmental period of emerging adulthood and state-of-the-art substance use disorder treatments tailored for this demographic group.

Understanding Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood, a term coined by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett, refers to the period of life spanning from the late teens to the late twenties. This stage is characterized by exploration, self-discovery, and transition from adolescence to full-fledged adulthood. It is during this period that individuals face numerous challenges, including the onset of substance use disorders, which can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on their lives.

The Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders Among Emerging Adults

Substance use disorders are among the most prevalent and costly mental health problems in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 30.6 million emerging adults live in the US, with as many as 34.5% of them experiencing serious problems with substances that often require clinical treatments. This translates to approximately 10.5 million emerging adults ages 18-25 in the United States who struggle with a substance use disorder.

Developmental Issues and Their Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment

The developmental features of emerging adulthood significantly influence the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. The book addresses these issues in detail, shedding light on how the unique characteristics of this life stage can impact treatment outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment approaches to meet the specific needs of emerging adults, taking into account their distinct developmental challenges and opportunities.

State-of-the-Art Interventions for Emerging Adults

The second half of the book presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-science on interventions for emerging adults with substance use disorders. Each chapter provides a summary of either a body of work on a particular type of intervention or a special topic affecting intervention delivery to emerging adults. This section serves as an invaluable resource for practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of evidence-based treatments and improve treatment outcomes for this demographic group.

A Call to Action: Addressing the Research Gap

Despite the high prevalence of substance use disorders among emerging adults, research on substance use disorder treatments for this group lags behind that for adolescents and older adults. Emerging Adults and Substance Use Disorder Treatment aims to fill this gap by providing a thorough examination of the developmental issues associated with emerging adulthood and the state-of-the-art interventions tailored for this demographic group. By shedding light on this critical area of research, the book encourages academics and practitioners to continue exploring innovative approaches to addressing the complex needs of emerging adults struggling with substance use disorders.