Newsroom

LIGHTHOUSE INSTITUTE SEEKS YOUNG ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
FACING SUBSTANCE USE CHALLENGES FOR RESEARCH STUDY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026

CONTACT:        Kinzie Johanns, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
                            ph. 309.820.3624  |  mjohanns@chestnut.org

Franklin County, IL / Jackson County, IL / Jefferson County, IL / Madison County, IL / McLean County, IL / Perry County, IL / Williamson County, IL—Every day, young adults struggle with substance use. In Illinois, 14.1% of young adults meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. (source: SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2022-2023) Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute is conducting a new study to change that.

The study, Launch, is a groundbreaking research initiative designed to help young adults struggling with substance use and their families. This study combines peer recovery support and family engagement with evidence-based strategies to strengthen recovery pathways and improve outcomes for young adults. 

Lighthouse Institute is recruiting families with young adults (ages 18-26) impacted by substance use in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, McLean, Perry, and Williamson County who want access to free, personalized recovery support services.

The Study Offers:

• Peer Recovery Coaching: Trained peer workers may provide free guidance, advocacy, and encouragement to help participants achieve school and work goals.
• Family Support: Parents or loved ones may receive free virtual coaching and practical tools to better support their young adult through recovery.
• Compensation for participation.

"This study is about hope and healing," said Tess Drazdowski, Research Scientist, at Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute. "By joining us, young adults and families can access life-changing support while shaping programs that will help thousands of young adults nationwide in the future."

Anyone interested in participating can find more information at chestnut.org/launch-study or contact Alice Dawson, senior project coordinator at ALDawson@chestnut.org or text/call 541.251.8507.

Enrollment is open through February 28, 2026, for families in Georgia (Paulding, Polk), Illinois (Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, McLean, Perry, Williamson), Missouri (Jefferson), Tenessee (Hawkins), and Indiana (Vigo, Parke, Vermillion, Clay, Putnam, Sullivan, Greene, Owen, Monroe, Knox).

###

Chestnut Health Systems is a not-for-profit organization that has cared since 1973 for the most vulnerable in our communities. Chestnut provides substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery; mental health treatment; primary care; dental care; and housing and supportive services. It is a leader in behavioral health-related research through its Lighthouse Institute. More at www.chestnut.org.