Leveraging Parents and Peers to Increase Recovery Capital in Emerging Adults

After CM-EA is introduced, a contingency contract is developed between a parent and emerging adult (EA) that provides EAs with rewards for negative drug screens and completion of developmentally appropriate goals to build recovery capital, along with disincentives for positive screens or engaging in inappropriate behaviors. Concurrently, parents are taught to conduct random urine drug screens. Additionally, parents are trained to complete functional analyses in collaboration with their EA to identify the EA's triggers for poly-substance use and negative behaviors. Individualized triggers are targeted via self-management planning and drug refusal skills training. At the end of CM-EA, plans are made with the family for sustaining abstinence and improvements in other behaviors.

Standard PRSS begin by identifying clients' needs in key domains (e.g., transportation, employment). After needs are identified, a peer worker addresses needs through informational resources and community referrals and engages clients in positive recreational activities offering advice, hope and empowerment to encourage steps toward a reduction in substance use and eventual abstinence. When desired, peer workers also link clients to a broader recovery peer community. In addition, the peer worker will dedicate time to increasing recovery capital via improving skills related to V/E advancement using a workbook, Targeting Employment for Emerging Adults: A Toolkit for Mental Health Providers, for which peer workers will be trained.