It can be painful to see a teen become addicted to drugs. Teens may think they are adults, but they are still relatively young in terms of development. It’s difficult for parents and loved ones to watch them throw their lives away at such an early age.
Fortunately, there are treatment programs available for people of all ages. Many of them take a dual diagnosis approach that treats the underlying causes of addiction and the addiction itself.
Dual diagnosis treatment for teens may be the best way to get your child on the road to long-term recovery. Read on to find out more about what’s involved in the process.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Many people start using drugs to self-medicate. They may be dealing with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD… and the list goes on. They may be reluctant to reach out about their problems because they are afraid of what people will think of them. In other cases, they may not believe their problems are that bad or may not want to spend the time and money dealing with them.
Instead of addressing their problems, they self-medicate, causing an addiction to form. The mental illness and addiction are seen as co-occurring disorders.
Dual diagnosis aims to treat any co-occurring orders that exist simultaneously. In doing so, it treats addiction at its root, making relapse less likely to occur.
There are a variety of approaches that may be integrated into dual-diagnosis therapy. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, alternative therapies, dialectic behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement, and more. The therapist will work with your teen to find a program that is best suited to their needs.
Are Co-occurring Disorders Common in Teens?
Teens are at high risk of developing mental health disorders. They are dealing with peer pressure and demands to do well in school. They may also be having difficulties at home or in interpersonal relationships that can contribute to emotional illness.
The stress of being a teenager can lead to depression, anxiety, and other disorders. The fact that many are out partying and experimenting with drugs makes it easy for a habit to form. They can quickly find themselves on a downward spiral that can get worse over time if it’s not treated promptly.
Fortunately, there are rehab facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment for teens.
How to Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens in South Florida
There are many rehab programs out there, and a lot take a dual diagnosis approach, but it’s important to find one that offers services tailored to meet the needs of teens. The staff at these facilities will understand what teens are going through and take an approach that is best suited to where they are in life. They will put them in group therapy with their peers so they get the support they need.
In addition to finding a rehab that offers dual diagnosis treatment for teens, you also want to find one that offers a comfortable environment, a qualified staff, and a high staff-to-patient ratio. Once you take all that into account, you will find that the Adolescent Wellness Academy is your best bet.
The Adolescent Wellness Academy offers services in sunny Davie, FL. We accept patients from many areas in South Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Miramar, Hallandale, Cooper City, Weston, Hollywood, and more.
We offer an after-school programs that allow teens to recover without disrupting their everyday lives. Transport to and from the facility is provided. We make it as easy as possible for your child to get well.
Our treatment takes a dual diagnosis approach. We work with teens to find out what has led them to start using drugs and provide methods to treat the addiction and its underlying cause simultaneously. This gives them the tools to get sober and stay sober.
Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA
At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges.
Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
- Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
- After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.
Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.
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