Many teens begin using drugs because of undiagnosed mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Adolescent drug use is often an attempt to self medicate the symptoms and can actually be an indicator of bigger underlying issues. Understanding the entire spectrum of a teen’s issues is key in assisting them with teen recovery.
Dual diagnosis rehab is a great start to help teens both diagnose, treat, and understand the issues behind teen drug abuse. In addition to confronting addiction to drugs and alcohol, dual diagnosis treatment explores a teen’s entire well-being: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Teens are given new, positive coping mechanisms such as individual therapy, counseling, group therapy, journaling, and equine therapy, and are encouraged to explore life without the use of drugs. Counselors help get teens focused on the right path by creating custom treatment plans to fit each teen’s individual needs.
Originally posted on March 17, 2010 @ 6:16 am
