Teens struggling with both mental health issues and substance abuse, also known as dual diagnosis, face unique challenges that require specialized treatment. At Ember Recovery, we understand how addiction and mental health disorders can intertwine and complicate recovery. Our approach to treating teens with dual diagnosis addresses both issues simultaneously, creating a pathway to healing that is comprehensive and effective.
In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges faced by teens with dual diagnosis and how Ember Recovery’s programs offer the support needed for a successful recovery journey.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to the condition where an individual suffers from both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. For teens, this combination can be particularly challenging, as they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with mental health symptoms. However, using substances often worsens their emotional struggles, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
Challenges of Dual Diagnosis in Teens
Teens with dual diagnosis face several challenges that make recovery more complicated:
- Identifying the Root Cause: It can be difficult to determine whether the addiction or the mental health disorder came first, and untreated mental health issues can fuel substance abuse, or vice versa.
- Complex Treatment Needs: Since both addiction and mental health disorders are involved, treating just one issue without addressing the other often leads to incomplete recovery, and symptoms may resurface.
- Increased Risk of Relapse: Teens with dual diagnosis are at higher risk of relapse because their mental health struggles may trigger substance use, and substance use can worsen their mental health condition.
- Emotional Overwhelm: Teens dealing with dual diagnosis often experience intense emotions and psychological distress, which can make staying engaged in recovery difficult.
Ember Recovery’s Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment
At Ember Recovery, we specialize in treating teens with dual diagnosis by offering an integrated approach that addresses both substance use and mental health simultaneously. Our programs are designed to support teens in overcoming both issues, ensuring a comprehensive and effective recovery.
1. Integrated Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health
Our treatment approach involves treating both addiction and mental health issues at the same time. By using evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we help teens identify the connections between their mental health and substance use. CBT teaches teens how to manage thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their struggles, while DBT helps teens develop emotional regulation skills, reducing self-destructive tendencies.
2. Trauma-Informed Care
Many teens with dual diagnosis have experienced trauma, which may contribute to both their addiction and mental health struggles. Our trauma-informed care model ensures that we address the emotional scars left by trauma, helping teens heal in a safe, supportive environment. This approach enables teens to process difficult emotions without turning to substances for relief.
3. Personalized Treatment Plans
At Ember Recovery, we recognize that each teen is unique. We create personalized treatment plans tailored to each teen’s specific needs. Our treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medication management, all designed to support recovery from both addiction and mental health challenges.
4. Family Involvement and Support
Family plays a crucial role in the recovery process, especially for teens with dual diagnosis. Our family therapy and parent education programs help families understand the challenges their teen is facing and provide them with the tools needed to support their recovery. By strengthening the family unit, we ensure that teens have a strong support system once they leave our program.
5. Ongoing Support and Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends. At Ember Recovery, we provide aftercare services to ensure that teens continue to receive support after completing their program. Our ongoing virtual alumni support groups and individual check-ins help teens stay connected to their recovery journey and prevent relapse.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Ember Recovery
Teens who receive dual diagnosis treatment at Ember Recovery gain several benefits:
- Comprehensive Healing: Our integrated approach ensures that both addiction and mental health issues are treated simultaneously, leading to more successful recovery outcomes.
- Improved Emotional Regulation: Teens learn to manage their emotions in healthy ways, reducing the likelihood of turning to substances for relief.
- Long-Term Support: Our aftercare programs provide ongoing support to help teens stay sober and continue developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Teens with dual diagnosis need specialized care to heal from both their addiction and mental health struggles. At Ember Recovery, we provide a safe, supportive environment where teens can address both issues, leading to lasting recovery. If your teen is struggling with dual diagnosis, we can help.
Contact Ember Recovery Today to learn more about our dual diagnosis programs or to schedule a consultation, visit Ember Recovery’s contact page.
Sources:
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.