Are Substance Abuse & Mental Health Related? Experts Explain Teen Dual Diagnoses

Addictions are not a choice. Research has shown that they can be better understood as a form of illness. It should not come as a surprise, then, that a brain inclined to developing an addiction is more vulnerable to mental health disorders, and vice versa. In fact, that’s how many teen addictions start. And it’s why treating only the substance abuse usually doesn’t result in meaningful recovery. Instead, experts like those at Clearfork Academy say that dual diagnosis treatment programs are a better option, especially for teens.

The Link Between Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Substance abuse and mental health disorders are often strongly correlated. The SAMHSA 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 60% of individuals who misused substances also had a mental disorder. These statistics are especially pronounced in teenagers; the survey reported that 45% of youth respondents were diagnosed with a mental health condition prior to developing a substance use disorder (SUD), while over 65% of individuals diagnosed with an SUD also had a mental disorder.

“When a teenager abuses substances to cope with mental illness, this can be thought of as a symptom of their mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis care is needed because their substance abuse cannot be effectively treated without also addressing their mental illness,” explains a mental health professional at Clearfork Academy.

Experts add that timely interventions are necessary for complete recovery, as the teenage brain is still developing and particularly vulnerable to damage from substance abuse.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

While any mental health disorder can occur alongside an addiction, teenage patients are most frequently diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Other common conditions include:

• PTSD and other trauma disorders
• Eating disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Bipolar disorder

Neurological differences, genetics, and significant life events can also contribute to the development of an addiction and associated mental illnesses.

Dual Diagnosis Programs For Teens

If you believe your teen is struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental disorder, the best thing to do is to look for a dual diagnosis program developed specifically for adolescents. Teens have more specialized needs than adults, so a rehab program intended for adults may not be suitable for them.

If the addiction is severe, a residential program is your best choice. These full-time treatment programs are usually individualized to each patient’s needs, but all will focus primarily on addressing addiction and any co-occurring mental illnesses in a supportive and structured environment.

In most rehab facilities, teens will receive evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy, modalities that have been developed to help patients reframe negative thoughts and experiences in their lives. Oftentimes, residents will take part in one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and family therapy; they will also be guided through topics such as conflict resolution, time management, communication, and other areas that will help build life skills.

Numerous residential treatment programs also include opportunities to participate in art therapy, outdoor excursions, and other recreational activities, with the goal of aiding residents in developing healthier coping mechanisms. Having a holistic component to recovery is very beneficial, because if your teen manages to discover something that they enjoy or gives them fulfillment, they are far less likely to relapse.

Addiction can be a frightening thing for you and your teen to deal with alone. But with the right dual diagnosis program, your family can overcome this dark period and find lasting recovery.

Clearfork Academy
City: Fort Worth
Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/
Phone: +1-888-430-5149
Email: info@clearforkacademy.com