Substance use disorder among young adults is lowering life expectancy in the U.S. Life expectancy dropped over the last three years due largely to a continued increase drug overdoses. In 2017, over 70,000 people lost their lives due to the disease of substance use disorder. If you include alcohol related deaths this number rises to 150,000 people. The last time the U.S. saw a consecutive decrease in life expectancy was during WWI… Sadly, like in war, the demographic at most impacted is young adults.
Young adults are more susceptible to the disease of substance use disorder due to biological, social, and prevalence reasons. The impact of substance abuse on a developing brain is well documented and has proven long term consequences. Substance abuse affects young adults differently then adults and needs to be addressed differently as well.
When battling a disease that lasts a lifetime, it is critical that treatment centers provide the tools to help young adults get clean and the life skills to stay clean.
Recovery Blvd Treatment Center in Portland, Oregon is a premiere drug and alcohol facility servicing the Portland, Hillsboro, and Gresham, OR areas. The well-know center specializes in the long term substance use disorder treatment of young adults. Their custom tailored program is designed to create a fun environment that embodies camaraderie and a social acceptance around sobriety.
In addition to custom tailored programs and the latest evidence based curriculum;
Recovery Blvd Treatment strives to provide young adults with life skills that will help build strong bonds long after they leave treatment.
Young adults are required to give back to the community and volunteer at least 5 hours a month. Many young adults suffering from substance use disorder do not have adequate life skills to be successful and find purpose. As a result, Recovery BLVD Treatment Center helps to provide educational advancement including GED, student aid application, and work placement.
Suffering from the disease of substance use disorder doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With proper care and specialization we can win the fight against substance use disorder and set up a brighter future for our young adults. As Led Zeppelin once said…
“There’s still time to change the road you’re on."