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Adolescence and teenage years bring significant developmental changes within the brain, including emotional and behavioral changes. As the body and brain are transitioning toward adulthood, a teenager might develop some detrimental habits along the way. Such behaviors could include irrational behavior, reckless behavior, isolation, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. If you are in your late teens or a parent of a teenager entering into early adulthood and are worried that bad habits could prevent a successful transition, understand that you are not alone in feeling this way. There are ways to educate yourself to prepare yourself for adulthood better.
Adolescent Brain Development
Research has shown that a person's brain does not reach full maturity until their mid-20s, even though those 18-years of age are considered legal adults. It is essential to understand this because teenagers and young adults are more likely to take risks that can develop into bad habits and have dire consequences, such as using drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can affect hormonal changes within the brain, leading to addiction and other mental health disorders.
A comorbid diagnosis can not only create ongoing and dependent behavior, but it can also create many mental and physical barriers in the transition into adulthood. It is hard for late teens and young adults to control hormonal changes and how it affects their perception of themselves and their peers. However, understanding that making such negative choices hinders their brain's full development could help curb their response to drink or use drugs. Any drastic change of habitual developments, such as using nicotine, could signify that a teenager or young adult is developing an addiction.
Knowing Family Health History
It is crucial to becoming educated on family health history, including whether addiction diseases and other brain diseases are in your family's genetics. Alcohol and drug use affects the brain's necessary chemicals and even contribute to mutating genes that later develop into mental illnesses and disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Dementia. Understanding that alcohol and drugs can cause dramatic changes within the brain's circuitry might be enough to deter a teenager from developing substance dependency. A family health history can become the most significant ally in preventing a young adult from using substances.
How to Form Good Habits
Any action repeated over time becomes a habit, including helpful and hurtful patterns. While the journey into adulthood can be intimidating, practicing healthy habits is a great way to help prepare you to resist and overcome some of the more formidable challenges. Since adulthood is much about developing a sense of independence in self, you can begin by focusing on achieving small everyday tasks, such as showering in the morning, cooking your meals, setting a consistent bedtime, and maintaining good nutrition and exercise. All of these are the cornerstones to becoming an independent and successful adult. Studies show that those that can achieve smaller tasks in the day are more likely to make more confident and healthier decisions throughout their day.
Instead of participating in adverse social occasions, such as drinking and using drugs, take up a hobby to express yourself in ways that bring meaning to yourself and your friendships. For example, writing or playing an instrument is not only shown to be excellent in challenging and strengthening your brain function, but they simultaneously lend discipline and structure to the practice while also allowing you to express your thoughts and emotions. Such outlets can help balance your changing hormones and be much more satisfying than drinking or using drugs. Developing these talents also promotes better self-reflection and awareness, and having confidence and understanding in oneself is essential in becoming an adult. These talents could also expand your horizons and lead to many career opportunities.
Make Your Own Decisions
Making your own decisions is the essence of growth in life. You might feel in a state of ambivalence between what you believe and what you think you need, but entering adulthood means being able to make your own decisions. With these decisions will come mistakes – a lot of mistakes. Understand that making mistakes is a big part of developing into a well-adjusted adult. Mistakes help you learn and build confidence and resilience. Remember, nobody gets things right the first time. However, the responsibility earned by making your own decisions doesn't end there; figuring out how to solve a problem after making a decision is also essential.
Ask For Help
Sometimes ego gets the best of us, and we want to go through things alone or think we know what is best. However, it is essential to recognize when you need help and then ask for it. Sometimes talking to peers is not enough, and you might have to consult your parents – these folks have been through what you have. While they might not have the insight or advice you want to hear, just opening up to them and realizing that they support you is enough to feel like you can overcome a problem.
If you feel isolated from the people who care about you, it may be time to seek professional help. At START UP Recovery, we work with all ages, including those entering early adulthood, because we believe that each person has the capabilities to reach their best potential, and sometimes they need a little push in the right direction. Choosing to be proactive about overcoming challenges in your life is always the right approach. At START UP Recovery, we aim to rebuild, establish or re-establish your sense of self and confidence by helping you practice with the tools needed to achieve and sustain a life free from negative impulses and reaching your greatest successes. We are not treatment; we believe in transformation. Remember, yourself, and your health and well-being should always come first. Don't wait to reach out. With beautiful oceanside amenities, you will never be short of inspiration. To learn more, call START UP Recovery today at (310) 773-3809.