Considerations for Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Emerging Adults in Rural Communities Webinar Materials

In the last decade, emerging adulthood (approximately ages 17-26) became widely recognized as a distinct developmental period with unique socioecological factors. Emerging adults (EAs) are also the age group most likely to have substance use disorder (SUD) issues, in addition to other serious problems (e.g., legal system involvement, suicide, victimization). Those residing in rural communities face particular barriers in accessing services for SUD treatment. Further, any clinician who has worked with this age group will tell you that EAs most often do not want traditional treatment, and data support this.

Creative thinking on how to engage and serve EAs, especially those who live in rural areas, and on the unique impacts on recovery capital is urgently needed. Dr. Ashli Sheidow discussed this age group and some of the considerations for designing services for them, especially within a rural context. 
Learning Objectives:

• Understood the range of psychosocial, developmental, and cognitive needs of EAs and increase awareness of the potential barriers they face to transitioning into adulthood
• Gained insight into and some considerations for designing services for them within a rural context
• Discussed the recovery capital unique to EAs in rural communities

Presenter:

• Ashli J. Sheidow, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute