Co-occurring disorder treatment for teens addresses mental health issues and substance use disorders simultaneously, given the complex interplay between the two. This integrated approach helps teens achieve better long-term outcomes through holistic care, highlighted by tailored therapies and family involvement. Early intervention is crucial, as treating both conditions as one complex diagnosis improves recovery rates and supports healthier teen development.
Struggling with both a mental health issue and substance use can be overwhelming for any teen, leading to a cycle that’s hard to break. Parents often feel helpless, watching their child battle on two fronts. Research tells us that co-occurring disorders are unfortunately common in that teens with mental health issues are far more likely to struggle with substance use issues and vice versa.
Fortunately, co-occurring disorder treatment plans exist. They focus on addressing multiple behavioral, mental, and physical health issues simultaneously, improving the chances of long-term recovery. Let’s go over what parents should know.
Co-Occurring Disorders in Teens
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, refer to both at least one mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in a teen. Substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders often intertwine, creating a complex and reinforcing cycle. This relationship can be explained through three critical theories of dual diagnosis:
First, substance use can alter brain chemistry, leading to or exacerbating mental health problems. For instance, prolonged use of certain drugs can induce anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Over time, the effects of drug use can deepen mental health issues, making it harder for individuals to cope without the substance, thus perpetuating the cycle.
Second, teens with mental health disorders are more likely to turn to substances as a form of self-medication. For example, someone with depression might use drugs or alcohol to alleviate their symptoms temporarily. However, this can lead to dependency and worsen both the mental health disorder and the substance use problem, trapping a teen in a vicious cycle.
Lastly, underlying factors, such as genetics, trauma, or environmental stressors, can simultaneously contribute to the development of both mental health disorders and substance use disorders. These shared risk factors create a scenario where individuals are predisposed to both conditions, which can feed into and exacerbate each other.
Co-occurring disorders are a severe issue for teens with mental health conditions. Government statistics indicate that around 60-75 percent of teens with substance use disorders struggle with mental health problems. Experiencing a depressive episode doubles a teen’s likelihood to begin using drugs regularly.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early identification and treatment of co-occurring disorders can significantly improve outcomes for teens.
What does that mean concretely? It means that time is often of the essence. Addressing both the mental health issue and the substance use problem early on can prevent both problems from worsening. On the other hand, untreated mental health disorders can lead to increased substance use as teens attempt to self-medicate.
Adolescence plays a huge factor here, as well. Teens’ brains are still developing, making them more adaptable and responsive to treatment – and placing them at greater risk of addiction. Early intervention can harness this developmental plasticity, leading to more effective therapy and better long-term recovery outcomes. Leaving a teen’s drug use unaddressed increases the risk of long-term drug addiction.
But what should an intervention look like?
Integrated Treatment Approaches
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both mental health and substance use issues simultaneously.
Terms like integrated, multidisciplinary, simultaneous, and holistic play a significant role here. Studies show that individuals with co-occurring disorders respond best to a treatment plan considering the sum of their symptoms and problems as a single complex issue rather than combining treatment protocols or treating each diagnosis individually.
The most effective treatments for teens with co-occurring disorders involve combining modalities under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team of doctors and specialists and creating a unique protocol for each teen to follow. Common modalities for a teen co-occurring disorder include:
- Medication management
- Individual behavioral therapy (CBT, DBT)
- Art therapy and other assisted therapy programs
- Trauma-specific modalities (such as exposure therapy and EMDR)
- Family systems therapy
- Psychoeducation
The Role of Family in Recovery
Family involvement is critical in treating co-occurring disorders in teens. From helping teens find the right treatment approach—whether working with a therapist in an outpatient program or enrolling in a residential treatment plan—to playing a part in the treatment process itself, family members are often actively involved in their loved one’s treatment through family therapy sessions.
Most teens naturally strive for independence, but the relationship between a teen and their primary caregivers and closest relatives is still the strongest and most impactful during adolescence. It is important to leverage that bond during treatment and long-term recovery.
Choosing the Right Treatment Program
Not all treatment programs are equipped to handle co-occurring disorders in teens. It’s important to look for professionals or clinics specializing in dual diagnoses, co-occurring disorders, and adolescent treatment.
Teens need a different kind of environment and a different level of emotional support during treatment, especially during inpatient (residential) care. Furthermore, teens may feel most comfortable in treatment with other teens.
Involving teens in the decision-making process can also help them feel more in control of their situation. Ask your teen where they’d like to be treated the most.
Aftercare and Long-Term Support
Recovery from co-occurring disorders is a long-term process that doesn’t end when treatment does. Recovery is long road.
Parental support is important, but teens are encouraged to seek out peer-based programs, support groups, and local community-based organizations to stay in touch with other teens in recovery. Continuing professional counseling or therapy can also help teens reinforce the lessons learned in treatment, and seek immediate help in the case of a relapse.
Conclusion
Dealing with both a mental health issue and substance use disorder can be incredibly challenging for teens. Understanding the complexities of co-occurring disorders and the importance of holistic, integrated treatment can help families better support their teens on the path to long-term recovery.