Focus on Treatment

Connecting with young adult males requires a new approach

“One size fits all” isn’t a philosophy Rosecrance staff believes works in addiction treatment, and that belief is what led them to develop the Emerging Adult Treatment Program.

Young adult males between the ages of 18 and 30 have unique barriers to treatment; yet most traditional addiction treatment programs don’t address these obstacles.

“I didn’t feel comfortable in other treatment groups,” says 22-year-old patient Adam, who has been in two prior treatment programs. He was nearing the end of a 40-day stay at Rosecrance. “I didn’t connect because I was always the youngest. I just couldn’t relate to them.”

This happens often says Steve Smith, Unit Coordinator and one of the program designers. Emerging adult males are greater risk takers, have less structure and typically do not possess the necessary life skills for dealing with all of life’s issues on a daily basis. Based on staff observations, which were supported by evidence-based research, a trial program targeted to meet the needs of this age group was launched.

“We are now averaging a 97 percent success rate with patients in this population,” says Smith. “A year and a half ago, before we implemented this program, our success rate for this group was around 60 –70 percent.” 

Smith attributes these outcomes to the self-exploration component of the program. Many young males who are put into groups with adult males who have more life experience either act out as troublemakers or blend into the background. 

Although they are adults by society standards, many young men in this age group still live with their parents and have few life skills. Developing confidence in who they are and being able to effectively express themselves is important to their development and recovery.

“We discovered that treatment groups have to be shorter in length and more interactive with opportunities for self-expression to engage the young men,” adds Smith. 

The Emerging Adult Program is run by a dedicated team who work exclusively with younger adults. Groups that address peer pressure and a popular culture that glorifies alcohol and drug use help the younger men understand the fatality of addiction.  

Adam feels this time he has been given the best opportunity for lasting recovery. “I’m taking everything with me I learned in this program, especially how to forgive myself and others,” he says.

For the professional:
Learn more about Young Adult Treatment Program, downloadable PDF

 Clinic focuses on alternative method for opiate treatment (top)

This fall, Rosecrance opened the Medically Assisted Recovery Clinic (MARC), which addresses the needs of individuals who struggle with relapse related to opiate addictions.

The program offers an alternative evidence-based treatment method for patients struggling with an addiction to substances such as heroin, Vicodin and Oxycontin. Through the controlled, medical use of the drug Suboxone, many symptoms that encourage relapse can be relieved quickly and effectively.

“It is important that we rapidly control withdrawal symptoms and cravings so a patient can begin to fully participate in treatment,” explains Dr. Tom Wright, Rosecrance’s Chief Medical Officer. “Risk of relapse diminishes significantly the sooner a person can begin our services, and Suboxone aids in this process.”

In 2007, 767 of the 1623 admissions to Rosecrance’s detox services involved an opiate-use diagnosis. For adolescents, 24 percent of the youth admitted to the inpatient program had opiate addictions. Annually the number of opiate-related deaths is on the rise. Alternative treatment methods are required to promote lasting recovery.

Research has shown that Suboxone consistently results in a 40-50 percent reduction or elimination of substance use. Unlike methadone, which can become another source of drug dependency, Suboxone produces no euphoric effects and is difficult to abuse. The Rosecrance approach will combine intensive outpatient treatment in conjunction with medically assisted treatment to provide a comprehensive therapeutic program tailored to the individual.

“A drug-free state represents and remains our primary treatment goal, but research has demonstrated that this goal cannot be achieved or sustained by the majority of opiate-dependent people,” Dr. Wright adds.

Before a patient is recommended for the MARC program, a team of clinicians and medical staff review a number of factors, including the individual’s drug history, personal motivations and social circumstances to determine if Suboxone is the best path for success for the patient.

For the professional:
Learn more about MARC, downloadable PDF