One of the biggest challenges facing teenagers with addictive behaviors is when their substance abuse problems cooccur with another psychiatric or emotional condition – a dual diagnosis.
Get Help NowA dual diagnosis is when an addictive disorder such as:
Occurs simultaneously with a mental disorder such as:
Each illness – addictive and psychiatric – is a factor in the development of and progression of the other. For example, a teenager struggling with anxiety might drink or use drugs (“self-medicate”) in an attempt to feel better.
Alternately, a teenager who regularly abuses alcohol or drugs will often feel depressed, anxious, or traumatized because of their chaotic lifestyle.
The National Bureau of Economic Research says there is a “definite connection mental illness and the use of addictive substances“. Consequently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports there are an estimated 9 MILLION adults in America with comorbid substance abuse and mental disorders.Unfortunately, fewer than one in 12 ever get proper treatment for both conditions. Even worse, over HALF never receive any treatment whatsoever.
To be effective, treatment for a dual diagnosis requires a methodical, evidence-based approach. SAMHSA recommends that the comorbid disorders be treated simultaneously with an integrative and cooperative approach.
Unfortunately, many service providers from both areas of focus – mental health and substance abuse – are not well-versed or experienced enough to (1) correctly recognize and diagnose comorbid addictive/mental disorders or (2) provide effective, data- driven treatment strategies for that comorbidity.
Integrative – The patient receives all of their needed services from one rehab program. Service providers act as part of the treatment team, staying in regular contact with other team members and cooperating under the collaborative umbrella of a unified treatment strategy.
Comprehensive – Both disorders are addressed at the same time, on multiple levels – emotional, medical, behavioral, relational, spiritual, social, etc. – promoting optimal wellness.
The best dual diagnosis rehab programs will incorporate Medication-Assisted Treatment. As the name implies, MAT helps:
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