The journey of seeking treatment for substance-use issues is often fraught with complexities, especially for transitional-aged youth. A recent study titled "Transitional-aged youth perceptions of influential factors for substance-use change and treatment seeking" sheds light on the myriad factors that influence young adults in their decision to seek or delay treatment. This blog aims to provide practitioners with insights from this research to improve their practice and encourage further exploration into this crucial area.
The Role of Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) offers a framework for understanding the motivations behind youth seeking treatment. According to the research, both internal and external factors play significant roles. Internally, youth may be motivated by a desire to improve their academic performance, social relationships, or financial situation. Externally, family pressure and social influences are also pivotal.
However, the study also reveals that factors beyond those encompassed by SDT significantly impact treatment decisions. These include structural elements such as satisfaction with previous treatments and the accessibility of services. Practitioners should consider these broader influences when engaging with youth.
Personal Influences: Health and Academics
Youth often cite mental and physical health concerns as primary motivators for seeking treatment. Many participants in the study reported that addressing mental health issues like anxiety and depression was a crucial step toward recovery. Others pointed to the negative physical effects of substance use as a catalyst for change.
Academic pressures also play a significant role. Many young adults recognize that substance use hampers their educational goals, prompting them to seek help to improve their academic performance and future prospects.
Social Influences: Family and Peers
The influence of family and peers cannot be overstated. Family disapproval often acts as an external motivator for youth to seek treatment. However, it's essential for families to support their child's autonomy rather than coercing them into treatment, as intrinsic motivation is crucial for long-term recovery.
Peeer relationships are equally influential. Supportive friends can encourage treatment-seeking behavior, while peers who engage in substance use can deter it. Practitioners should work with youth to navigate these complex social dynamics.
Structural Influences: Accessibility and Professional Guidance
Structural barriers such as transportation issues, scheduling conflicts, and dissatisfaction with previous treatments can delay treatment-seeking behavior. It's vital for healthcare providers to address these barriers by offering flexible scheduling and ensuring that services are accessible.
Professional guidance from doctors, counselors, and teachers also plays a critical role in influencing youth decisions. Practitioners should be well-informed about available resources and employ motivational interviewing techniques to enhance youth engagement in treatment.
Encouraging Further Research
This study highlights the need for ongoing research into the factors influencing youth substance-use treatment seeking. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into these findings and consider how they can be applied in clinical settings to improve outcomes for young adults struggling with substance use.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Transitional-aged youth perceptions of influential factors for substance-use change and treatment seeking.
