How to help young adults in the opioid and stimulant crisis

The ages of 18 to 25 are often described as “transitional” — and they are indeed marked by rapid development and changing expectations from childhood to adulthood. Compulsory school ends; children may leave home, pursue education or employment, lose social networks and resources, and connect with new ones. Yet the beginning of this time period is also marked by vulnerability to substance use disorder (SUD) as well as other problems.