Richmond Family Magazine Article on Illume Cayli Church writes:
Many parents are familiar with the host of emotions that come with watching a child graduate high school. Excitement, hope, and fear are palpable in anticipation of their child becoming a young adult.
“We were excited for the next chapter of our son’s life after graduating from high school,” said Lisa (not her real name). “The excitement turned to worry and fear as we watched him struggle with managing his ADHD, mental health, and substance use in a college setting.”Lisa went on to describe one of the most challenging times in her and her family’s lives. Instead of a happy ending – a college graduation, a first job or apartment – they faced a seemingly insurmountable dilemma as they watched their son struggle while searching for the resources to help him.
Unfortunately, many families across the country are grappling with similar challenges. According to the 2022 National Drug Use and Health Survey, 48.7 million people ages twelve and older reported having a substance use disorder (SUD). Among young adults ages eighteen to twenty-five, 13.5 percent reported experiencing both a substance use disorder and mental health disorder(s). In Virginia alone, the rates of SUD diagnosis have surged, nearly doubling for both adults and youths in just one year. Addiction can touch anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. It resides in every neighborhood.
Comments