When people are diagnosed with substance use disorder and mental health conditions, it is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. This condition can be complicated to treat, and it severely impacts those affected and their loved ones. The effects of dual diagnosis are particularly pronounced in teenagers. The estimated rate of dual diagnosis in teenagers is 60 to 75 percent.
Additionally, the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed the following data:
- 3.1 million adolescents aged 12-17 were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDE)
- 918,000 adolescents aged 12-17 were diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD)
- 358,000 adolescents aged 12-17 were diagnosed with both MDE and SUD
The teenage years are a crucial period in both body and brain development. If a teenager has a dual diagnosis, the negative impacts on their mental and cognitive development may be significant into adulthood. Call the professionals at Multi Concept Recovery today if your child is struggling with a co-occurring disorder and need to find teen dual diagnosis treatment in Burbank, CA.
What is a Dual Diagnosis Program?
A dual diagnosis treatment program takes an integrative approach in helping people address their substance abuse and mental health issues. In these specialized programs, both mental health professionals and addiction treatment staff work collaborate in order to provide care for those dealing with co-occurring disorders.
The concept of dual diagnosis rehab programs emerged in the 1990s. Prior to that time, mental health treatment and addiction treatment were separate entities. If people were suffering from dual diagnosis disorders, they would enter into either an addiction treatment program or a mental health treatment program. Without addressing the complex roots of dual diagnosis, people would undergo treatment programs that were insufficient to address their condition’s totality. As a result, their prognosis for lasting recovery was poor.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders in Teens
When young people enter a dual diagnosis rehab for teens, they can experience a wide range of mental issues. According to an article published in Current Drug Abuse Reviews: the following disorders were the most common in teen dual diagnosis rehabs:
- conduct disorder (CD)
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- mood disorders
- trauma-related disorders and symptoms
- oppositional defiant disorder
Teens also can experience anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder in addition to substance abuse. Interestingly, teens can also have a dual diagnosis if they exhibit process addictions (also known as behavioral addictions) such as compulsive shopping, internet addiction, sex addiction, and gaming addiction. No matter the underlying cause, seeking teen dual diagnosis treatment in Burbank, CA, can fully address the root causes of co-occurring disorders in young people.
How to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders in Teens
When a young person enters treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center in Burbank, CA, experienced staff will determine which symptoms are mental health-related, which ones are substance abuse-related, and which set of symptoms manifested first. Treatment professionals will gather information from the client, their family, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to create an evaluation determining the best course of treatment.
As stated earlier, teen dual diagnosis treatment utilizes an integrated approach. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals develop an individualized plan that includes the following:
- Medical detoxification
- Therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing
- Family Counseling and Education
- Medication Management
- Anxiety and Anger Management
- Relapse Prevention
- 12-step and family support groups
Because of the complexity of dual diagnosis in teens, programs should be 60-90 days or even longer. Extended treatment stays give clients and their families the time, space, and support they need to address the dual diagnosis issues fully.
How to Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens in Los Angeles, CA
If your child has a dual diagnosis and needs professional help, finding dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles and the surrounding area can be tough. With numerous treatment facilities offering co-occurring disorder treatment, how do you know which facility is best? With one call to Multi Concept Recovery, you will know that you have chosen the best place for teen dual diagnosis treatment.
We believe in providing evidence-based, individualized treatment that promotes long-term recovery. We recognize that each client has unique needs, and we will customize treatment plans to meet those needs. From intensive outpatient programs to partial day treatment, our programs feature proven therapy modalities, mental health treatment programs, and family programs in a safe and supportive environment.
Call MCR today and help your teen find freedom from mental health and addiction disorders.