Failure to Launch Syndrome and Treatment

Failure to launch syndrome is not something young adults sign up for. This is something that impacts their ability to achieve their fullest potential and to navigate themselves socially. Beyond that, it impacts the whole family. As a parent, it can seem impossible to say no to your young adult. This increases their desire to keep asking. However, there comes a time when the best thing you can do is get help for your family. It is more specifically about helping them help themselves. Failure to launch treatment programs are designed to help young adults get the skills they need to succeed in life.

The DL on FTL

Here’s the down low on failure to launch syndrome. It is not plainly a “diagnosis”. Instead, failure to launch syndrome is “a non-judgmental way to describe the frustration and concern families feel when young adults seem unable to move forward and achieve the major tasks of life expected for their age.  In this situation, families describe the young person as “being stuck” or unable to get on with life.”

Addressing this situation requires taking a holistic approach. In order to influence a long-term change, all family members in the situation will probably have to alter the way they communicate to create a clear understanding of expectations and boundaries.

There are mental health disorders that are commonly associated with failure to launch syndrome including:

  • Depression
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Substance use
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Schizophrenia

The Pros of Treatment Programs

Failure to launch treatment programs emphasize addressing the young adult’s struggles from every angle. Here are some ways in which a treatment program may benefit your young adult:

  • Young adults are removed from their everyday environment during their program which helps them step out of the place where they feel stuck or unmotivated and address the issue
  • Students are given the opportunity to explore new things and learn what motivates or excites them
  • There is a therapeutic component included to help young adults work through their personal struggles
  • The program teaches young adults new skills and helps them improve on old ones to set them up to be more independent and lead a healthier lifestyle

BlueFire PulsaR can help

BlueFire PulsaR is a coeducational wilderness therapy program for young adults ages 18-28.  This program addresses young adults and their needs from a social and emotional aspect. Adventure therapy, wilderness ventures, equine therapy, academic opportunities, and “family spark” are used to help students reflect and improve upon their weaknesses. From there they are able to experience growth and adopt healthy self-management skills. This program is dedicated to helping students regain a better sense of the world around them while addressing their emotions and needs head-on. We can help your family today.

Contact us at 208-269-7407.

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