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Co-Occurring Treatment
(Alcohol and Drug Treatment)
Alcohol and drug use among both adults and youth is on the rise. In addition, youth are using substances at increasingly younger ages. According to recent studies, one of four children in the U.S. is affected by substance abuse by a family member. These families include all ethnic groups; are found at all economic levels; and live in urban, suburban and rural communities. Just as second hand smoke can be deadly to non smokers, substance abuse can impact family members who themselves are not abusing alcohol or drugs. For example, children in families affected by alcohol abuse are at increased risk for physical illness and injury, emotional disturbances, educational deficits, behavioral problems, and alcoholism or alcohol abuse in later life. It is also apparent that mental heath issues and substance use issues are both present for millions of Americans who do seek help each year. Therefore, it is important that the presence of both substance use disorders and mental health problems are explored with all individuals seeking counseling at Child Guidance & Family Solutions.
Many staff at Child Guidance & Family Solutions have licenses both as mental health professionals and as substance abuse treatment professionals or they have one license and established competency in the other area through education, training and experience.
Be assured, Child Guidance & Family Solutions complies with all guidelines and Federal regulations about confidentiality of client information – particularly whenever treatment for substance use takes place. No one will be apprised of such treatment without proper written consent or a court order, except in very unusual circumstances when safety is a serious concern.
Following assessment, if a substance use issue also exists, staff will determine the best course of treatment that will address both the mental health or adjustment concern and the substance use issue. In some instances a referral to another agency will be appropriate. However, Child Guidance & Family Solutions strives to ensure that treatment will address both – and is referred to as ‘Co-Occurring Treatment’.
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