Young adults diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) benefit from creating healthy habits during treatment. According to Advances in Life Course Research, “Health-promoting behaviors such as adequate exercise and sleep, eating breakfast, maintaining a healthy weight, and refraining from smoking and binge drinking promote health and well-being during adolescence and are associated with higher levels of healthy behaviors during adulthood.” The dedicated experts at Rancho Recovery assist clients and families in developing healthy habits for youth in recovery.
Why Are Healthy Habits for Youth Essential?
Young adults are still growing, and developing healthy habits is essential for long-term recovery from substance abuse. Adults who misuse substances as teens have a much higher risk of developing SUD or mental health issues later in life. By focusing on creating healthy habits early, young adults lower their lifetime risk of experiencing additional psychological or physical health issues related to substance abuse.
According to the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), “Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.” Setting healthy habits and routines during treatment helps young adults build the foundation for a more successful and fulfilling future.
Addictive Behaviors Disrupt Growth and Normal Development
Young adults diagnosed with SUD may struggle to develop essential life skills. Untreated substance abuse has a profound adverse effect on teen social skills and decision-making. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Drug use [by youth] is associated with sexual risk behavior, experience of violence, and mental health and suicide risks.” Brain development is also affected by the abuse of mind-altering substances. The combined effect may cause significant emotional and physical distress for young adults experiencing SUD. Professional addiction recovery programs provide the best outcomes for youth diagnosed with SUD. Early intervention and treatment may reduce the long-term effects of substance abuse.
What Are Important Habits for Youth?
Healthy habits and routines increase self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-control. Youth recovering from substance abuse benefit from replacing maladaptive behaviors with healthy alternatives. Stress is a common cause of relapse. Developing healthy routines and habits to manage stress reduces the risk of relapse. Below are some important habits youth can establish to improve their health later in life.
A Balanced Diet
Proper hydration and nutrition are essential to body development and emotion regulation. According to Health.gov, “Youth have diverse calorie and nutrient needs based on age and patterns of growth, development, and physical activity.” Rancho Recovery ensures young adults in treatment have access to proper nutrition and nutritional education, supporting long-term health goals. Creating healthy eating habits early in life can reduce the risk of preventable diseases in adulthood.
Sleep Hygiene
Young adults require a significant amount of quality sleep each night to develop and grow. Substance abuse may disrupt normal sleep cycles and inhibit natural development. The care team at Rancho Recovery helps teens develop sleep habits to improve physical and mental health.
Examples of healthy sleeping habits include:
- “Winding down” before bed by removing distractions, including phones and other smart devices
- Consistently going to sleep at the same time each night
- Making sure the sleeping space is comfortable
- Avoiding caffeine, large meals, or junk food before bed
- Engaging in physical activity throughout the day
According to the CDC, “Teens aged 13-18 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night” to feel fully rested. Rancho Recovery follows a strict schedule to help clients establish healthy sleeping patterns during treatment.
Physical Activity and Exercise
Staying active improves physical and mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Research suggests that exercise and physical activity can help to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.” As people get older, they tend to exercise less. Building healthy habits around physical activity early in life can help people live longer. Even 20 minutes a day of low-stress activity can significantly improve overall health and wellness.
How Does Rancho Recovery Support Healthy Habits for Youth in Recovery?
Rancho Recovery facilitates the development of healthy habits by educating young adults and their loved ones about the importance of setting routines. Treatment programs are tailored to the needs of each client, making it easy for young adults to create new routines and habits. According to the Office of Population Affairs (OPA), “Other than the first year of life, there is no other developmental period during which individuals grow more than during the period of adolescence.” Young adulthood is “the time to form positive habits that will improve adolescents’ long-term health and well-being.”
Rancho Recovery helps clients create positive lifestyle changes and develop new coping skills to replace maladaptive behaviors during recovery from substance abuse. Young adults are provided with the tools and information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being during treatment. Learning healthy habits under the guidance of trained mental health professionals increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces the risk of relapse.
Habits in young adulthood affect many areas of a person’s life as they grow older and mature. Youth struggling with substance abuse may experience fewer long-term negative consequences if they make healthy lifestyle changes during treatment. Establishing healthy habits and routines as a teen reduces the risk of substance use and mental health disorders later in life. Rancho Recovery helps young adults identify potential problem areas and provides creative solutions for overcoming challenges. Creating healthy habits and setting boundaries during treatment prepare young adults for long-term sobriety. The care team offers guidance and support to young adults and their loved ones. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (877) 484-1447.