Teen & Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
We you will learn:
- Prevalence of mental health concerns and substance use in teens.
- The importance of dual-diagnosis care and early interventions.
- Guardian Recovery's specialized treatment strategies and holistic approach to co-occurring disorders in teens.
Navigating the complexities of adolescence is challenging enough, but when mental health disorders and substance use issues co-occur, the journey can become even more daunting for both teens and their families.
Dual diagnosis, or the presence of a mental health disorder alongside a substance use disorder, is increasingly common among adolescents. This duality not only complicates treatment but also demands a comprehensive approach to ensure that both issues are addressed simultaneously.
What’s more, mental health, behavior, academics, emotions, and more are all interconnected. When your teen struggles with one aspect, chances are that others are also compromised. That’s why recognizing the signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders is important—as is holistic treatment that addresses the underlying concerns, not just the apparent symptoms.
At Guardian Recovery, our specialized dual diagnosis treatment offers an effective combination of evidence-based therapies, comprehensive assessments, and a nurturing environment. By addressing mental health and substance use issues concurrently—and by holistically tackling the root causes of these issues—we not only promote healing but also equip teens with the skills and strategies they need to lead fulfilling lives today, tomorrow, and always.
So let’s explore the ins and outs of dual diagnosis (aka co-occurring disorders) in teens, along with Guardian Recovery’s unique adolescent treatment programs.
What are Co-Occurring Disorders (aka Dual Diagnoses) in Teens?
Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, etc.) and a substance use disorder (SUD). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse adolescents with substance use disorders also have high rates of co-occurring mental illness. In fact, one study showed that more than 60% of adolescents in community-based SUD treatment programs also had some form of mental illness.1
Not surprisingly, SUDs and mental disorders share several common risk factors, including genetic vulnerabilities, environmental influences, trauma, stress, brain-region involvement, and more. In addition, the brain is still in a crucial stage of development during adolescence. The circuits responsible for executive functions—like decision-making and impulse control—are some of the last to fully mature, making your child more susceptible to drug use and the risk of developing a substance use disorder.1
NIDA research also indicates those grappling with severe, mild, or even subclinical mental health issues may turn to drugs and alcohol as a misguided form of self-medication. While some substances might offer a fleeting sense of relief from the symptoms, the substances can ultimately intensify symptoms both in the short term and over time. Understanding this intricate relationship is crucial to addressing both mental health and substance use effectively.1
Treating dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses both the mental health and substance use components of the disorder. This may include a combination of evidence-based therapies, medication management, and lifestyle interventions to support your teen’s overall well-being.
Even though the challenges of dual diagnosis might seem overwhelming, Guardian Recovery offers health and hope via our specialized dual diagnosis care. Our integrated approach simultaneously addresses both mental health and substance use issues, ensuring a comprehensive path to recovery.
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Common Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents
Adolescents experience a variety of mental health disorders, including:
- Anxiety: Characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate, anxiety can hinder a teen’s ability to engage in social situations and perform academically. In terms of prevalence, insights from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America reveal that anxiety disorders affect 31.9% of those aged 13 to 18, putting these teens at a higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance use.2
- Depression: Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can lead to withdrawal from friends and family, impacting social development. According to the 2023 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), among those aged 12 to 17, 18.1%(or 4.5 million people) had a major depressive episode in the past year.3
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): This disorder involves difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect academic performance and relationships. Numerous studies have documented an increased risk for substance use disorders in youth with untreated ADHD.1
- Trauma/PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Following traumatic experiences, adolescents may develop PTSD, causing flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbness.
- Bipolar Disorder: Marked by extreme mood swings, including manic highs and depressive lows, bipolar disorder can disrupt a teen’s life and lead to risky behaviors. The NSDUH doesn’t provide data about the co-occurrence of SUDs and serious mental illnesses (SMIs) (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, etc.) in adolescents. However, data shows that among those 18 and older, those with an SMI were more likely than their counterparts to use illicit drugs, marijuana, and opioids.3
Substance Use Disorders in Teens
Common substances used by teens include alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, cocaine, and prescription medications such as opioids (e.g., fentanyl, oxycontin, hydrocodone) and stimulants (e.g., ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall).
The NSDUH provides some staggering statistics about adolescent substance use. The following data indicates the percentage and number of individuals aged 12 to 17 with the following substance-related disorders in the past year:3
- Any Substance: 8.5% (2.2 million)
- Marijuana: 4.7% (1.2 million)
- Alcohol: 2.9% (757,000)
- Opioids: 1.2% (316,000)
- Stimulant (e.g., meth, cocaine, prescription stimulant): 1% (268,000)
- Cocaine: 0.2% (45,000)
Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders in Teens
Identifying co-occurring disorders in adolescents can be challenging, but certain signs can indicate the presence of both mental health and substance use issues. They include:
Behavioral Indicators
- Changes in mood: Frequent mood swings or irritability
- Withdrawal from activities: Loss of interest in hobbies or socializing
- Academic decline: Deterioration in grades or attendance issues
Emotional Symptoms
- Increased anxiety or depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or worry
- Irritability: Heightened sensitivity to stress or frustration
Physical Signs
- Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain
- Neglect of personal hygiene: Lack of self-care or grooming
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Importance of Addressing Dual-Diagnosis in Adolescents
Addressing dual diagnoses is essential for the overall health and development of adolescents. Untreated co-occurring disorders can result in significant long-term consequences, such as chronic mental health issues that may persist into adulthood. Without timely intervention, these conditions can severely impact a teen’s mental well-being and quality of life.
Additionally, struggles with dual diagnoses can lead to isolation and strained relationships with family and friends, further exacerbating emotional distress. Academic performance often suffers as well. And when teens find it challenging to succeed in school, it can lead to a cycle of failure that compounds their difficulties. Prioritizing treatment for dual diagnosis is vital to fostering healthy futures for adolescents.
At Guardian Recovery our comprehensive assessments ensure we identify and address underlying issues. By effectively diagnosing and treating teens, we set them up for a lifetime of success.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early intervention offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Outcomes: Timely treatment can lead to better mental health and reduced substance use.
- Better Coping Strategies: Treatment equips teens with tools to manage their mental health and avoid substance use.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Addressing both disorders can lead to healthier relationships, improved academic performance, and a more positive self-image.
What is Teen & Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Effectively addressing dual diagnosis in adolescents requires a multifaceted strategy. A successful treatment plan often incorporates a combination of medications, psychotherapy, peer support groups, and lifestyle adjustments. By tackling both mental health disorders and substance use concurrently, teens can achieve lasting recovery and an improved overall quality of life.
At Guardian Recovery, our specialized dual diagnosis care for teens offers a comprehensive and holistic approach featuring assessments, tailored treatment plans, and a supportive environment for growth and change. According to NIDA, this integrated approach to dual-diagnosis care is the gold standard in treatment.1
Our dual diagnosis treatment includes the following modalities and practices.
- Comprehensive Assessments and Diagnoses—This involves collecting detailed information about your adolescent’s mental and physical health history, substance use patterns, social life, academic struggles, and more. It may include interviews, questionnaires, and standardized screening tools to ensure a clear and accurate diagnosis. These tactics are fundamental in developing effective treatment plans. These evaluations provide a thorough understanding of your teen’s mental health and substance use issues, allowing our licensed professionals to identify the most appropriate interventions.
- Psychiatric Interventions and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—These interventions may include the prescription of medications to manage symptoms of mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Meanwhile, MAT specifically uses medications to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders. This combined approach helps create a foundation for further therapeutic work.
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy—
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling allows adolescents to work through personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and explore underlying issues in a safe environment. Tailored approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in addressing co-occurring disorders.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions offer your child a chance to connect with peers facing similar struggles. These supportive environments foster shared experiences and encourage social skills development, which can enhance recovery.
- Family Therapy: Families are an integral part of treatment at Guardian Recovery. Involving family members in the therapeutic process helps to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen familial bonds. Family therapy addresses the dynamics of the home environment, which is crucial for the adolescent’s recovery.
- Life Skills Training—Life skills training is essential for equipping adolescents with the tools they need to navigate daily challenges and maintain their recovery. This training focuses on essential skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and stress management. By learning these skills, adolescents can better manage their emotions and behaviors, thus reducing the likelihood of relapse.
- Relapse Prevention—This involves teaching adolescents to identify warning signs of relapse and develop coping strategies to manage cravings and stress. Skills learned through role-playing and scenario-based exercises can enhance their resilience in real-world situations.
- Academic Intervention—Academics are fundamental to your teen’s future—and an integral part of life at Guardian Recovery. Our dedicated educators work collaboratively with clinical staff to create a holistic experience that addresses both the emotional challenges and academic goals of each student. This synergy fosters a sense of stability, allowing teens to thrive as they learn coping strategies, improve their self-regulation skills, and embrace their educational journey with renewed enthusiasm.
The Benefits of Addressing Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders in Treatment
Effectively addressing dual diagnosis in adolescents requires a multifaceted strategy. A successful treatment plan often incorporates a combination of medications, psychotherapy, peer support groups, and lifestyle adjustments. By tackling both mental health disorders and substance use concurrently, teens can achieve lasting recovery and an improved overall quality of life.
Co-occurring disorder treatment offers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced coping mechanisms: Teens learn effective strategies to manage both their mental health and substance use.
- Improved mental health outcomes: Addressing both disorders leads to better overall mental health and well-being.
- Increased likelihood of recovery: Integrated treatment increases the chances of successful recovery and long-term sobriety.
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How Mental Health Disorders Are Addressed in Your Teen’s Treatment Program
Our comprehensive approach combines mental health care with substance use treatment, ensuring that every aspect of your teen’s recovery is addressed.
Skilled experts conduct precise assessments to accurately diagnose co-occurring disorders and dictate tailored treatment plans. This individualized strategy ensures that your child receives the most effective interventions suited to their unique needs, ultimately fostering a more positive recovery experience.
Along with fostering academic progress, we also help teens develop effective coping mechanisms to manage both their mental health challenges and substance use issues. By addressing both disorders simultaneously, adolescents experience improved mental health outcomes, leading to better overall well-being.
Additionally, our integrated, evidence-based treatment approach significantly increases the likelihood of successful recovery, providing a solid foundation for a healthier future.
To diagnose and address co-occurring disorders, we typically employ the following steps:
- Comprehensive Evaluation—We conduct a thorough assessment of mental health and substance use issues through interviews, medical history review, and validated assessment tools.
- Differential Diagnosis—We differentiate between symptoms caused solely by substance use and those related to a primary mental health disorder to determine the presence of co-occurring disorders.
- Integrated Assessment—Our licensed staff considers the interaction between mental health and substance use disorders, assessing their severity, impact on functioning, and specific risks or complications.
- Screening for Common Disorders—Screening tools or questionnaires are employed to identify symptoms of common co-occurring disorders associated with substance use, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
- Collaboration and Information Gathering—Our mental health and addiction professionals collaborate with other providers, family members, and/or support systems to understand your teen’s situation.
- Refine the Diagnosis—We synthesize the collected information to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, identify primary and secondary diagnoses, recognize patterns, and consider the influence of substance use on mental health symptoms.
Guardian Recovery’s Levels of Care
Each teen is unique, with special skills, strengths, and challenges. As such, Guardian Recovery’s treatment programs are highly customized to meet the unique needs of your child. Plus, our comprehensive levels of care enable us to meet your teen wherever they are in their journey.
Our levels of care include:
- Medical Detox
- Inpatient / Residential
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) (With or Without Housing)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Virtual Treatment
- Aftercare
Keep in mind, while these levels are listed in the order of intensity, your child may not need each level of care and/or they may skip a level as they progress. For example, not all teens need medical detox, which means they may start their care at our IOP or PHP. Others, however, may start with virtual care and soon realize they need the more intensive care offered with our residential treatment. The point is, we meet you where you are and walk with your teen every step of the way.
Contact Us to Learn More
Are you concerned about your teen’s substance use, behavior, and/or mental health? Or maybe you’re just sensing that something is off, and you’re not sure which way to turn. Either way, Guardian Recovery can help.
Offering a safe haven for health, hope, and healing, we understand the unique needs of young people aged 13 to 17. Plus, we empathize with parents and guardians. Merely admitting your child is struggling elicits a host of emotions. And considering treatment is almost unimaginable.
Know, however, that while reaching out for help can be scary, it can also be the beginning of a transformative journey for your teen—and your family.
Take the first step and contact us today. Staff can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance. And if Guardian Recovery seems like a fit, they’ll offer a personal assessment to help guide our next steps. The simple, low-key call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter treatment with us.
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FAQs
Identifying co-occurring disorders can be challenging, as symptoms for mental and physical concerns often overlap. However, signs such as significant behavioral changes (e.g., mood swings, irritability), emotional instability (e.g., persistent sadness, anxiety), and physical symptoms (e.g., neglecting personal hygiene, changes in sleep or appetite) are likely causes for further evaluation. Additionally, academic performance may decline, and social withdrawal from friends and family could occur. If multiple signs are observed, it may be time to seek professional help.
The duration of treatment varies widely based on the severity of the disorders, individual needs, and the type of program (inpatient or outpatient). Generally, treatment at Guardian Recovery can range from several weeks to several months. After initial treatment, our ongoing support and aftercare support your teen and your family.
Not all teens require inpatient treatment. Rather the decision depends on the severity of their disorders and specific needs. Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment where teens can focus solely on recovery, away from potential triggers such as peers or substances. On the other hand, outpatient programs allow teens to live at home while attending therapy sessions, making it suitable for those with milder symptoms or strong family support. Our comprehensive assessment will help determine the best approach for your teen.
Families are an integral part of adolescent treatment at Guardian Recovery. Supporting your teen during treatment involves active involvement in their recovery process. Our family therapy sessions can strengthen family bonds and improve communication. Additionally, our workshops and parent support groups offer education and a sense of community. It also helps to maintain open lines of communication with your teen, encouraging them to express their feelings and concerns.
It’s not uncommon for teens to resist treatment due to fear, stigma, or a lack of understanding of their situation. In such cases, it’s essential to approach the topic calmly and with empathy. Express your concerns without being confrontational, and try to understand their perspective. Consider involving a mental health professional who can help facilitate the conversation and explain the importance of treatment. Sometimes, teens respond better to a neutral party rather than a parent.
Yes, untreated co-occurring disorders can have serious long-term effects on an adolescent’s life. Chronic mental health issues may persist into adulthood, impacting the individual’s ability to form healthy relationships, succeed academically, and maintain employment. Substance use also can lead to legal problems, health issues, and a higher risk of addiction. Additionally, untreated disorders can contribute to a cycle of dysfunction, where one issue exacerbates the other, making recovery more challenging in the future.
Aftercare programs are essential for maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. Our programs include ongoing therapy sessions and support groups as well as referrals to local organizations and services. Parents can play a vital role in aftercare by remaining involved and supportive, helping you teen develop coping strategies to navigate challenges. Encouraging healthy social connections and engaging in positive activities can also aid in sustaining recovery. Monitoring for any signs of relapse and being proactive in seeking help are crucial during this phase.
Mental health, substance use, and behavioral concerns often go hand in hand, with each one impacting the others. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both mental health and behavioral issues such as substance use and more, working to improve overall well-being.
We believe in complete and total confidentiality and privacy for all of our clients. We go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements for you and your teen, reach out to learn more.
Families are a powerful force of change. Guardian Recovery leverages and fuels this power, enabling teens and families to heal and grow together. Along with providing ongoing communication regarding your teen’s progress, we offer a host of family-specific services as your teen progresses through our treatment options. Parents and guardians can participate in family therapy, workshops, educational sessions, and peer support groups.
Since each treatment program is customized to the unique needs of each teen in our care, no two care plans are alike. As such, costs vary dramatically. However, we accept most major insurance plans, and both mental health and substance use disorder care are typically covered by insurance.
To know for sure how much you’ll pay and how much your insurance will cover, reach out now for a free and confidential phone call. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss care options, verify your insurance benefits, and discuss alternative payment options if necessary.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (2022). Anxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics.
- Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration. (2023). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
