Stacey is a 15 year old on the verge of dropping out of school because of excessive absenteeism and a feeling of hopelessness. She has had episodes of anxiousness, depression and impulsivity. She reports abusing substances to make her feel better. Her substances of choice include marijuana and alcohol.
According to recent studies on mental health, adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems are nearly 4 times more likely to be dependent on alcohol and drugs than those without these mental disorders. Those studies also indicate the following:
• 43% of adolescents receiving mental health services also struggle with substance abuse.
• 62% of adolescent males and 82% of adolescent females entering substance treatment have significant emotional and psychiatric disorders.
• Nearly 2/3 of incarcerated youth with substance use disorders have at least one mental health disorder.
• As many as 50% of substance abusing juvenile offenders have ADHD. Youth with COD are at risk for truancy, poor performance, drop-out or behavioral problems that result in school suspension and expulsion.
The term "Co-occurring Disorders" (COD) refers to both substance-related and mental health disorders affecting an individual at the same time. Symptoms from both substance abuse or dependency and mental health problems can overlap. They can even imitate each other, making treatment and diagnosis difficult. In order for a client with co-occurring disorders to recover fully, treatment for both the mental illness and the substance abuse is needed simultaneously.
Child Guidance & Family Solutions has begun screening for alcohol/substance use problems for all individuals 12 and over. Depending upon the result, further, more complete assessment is offered. For some, Child Guidance & Family Solutions will provide integrated, co-occurring treatment. When the substance use disorder problems are more severe, referrals and follow up can be made to more appropriate care providers.
The following common situations are examples of when an assessment for a co-occurring disorders integrated treatment plan may be warranted:
• An individual is aggressive, is involved in unnecessarily risky situations, has a high activity level or has poor self-control.
• There is poor parental supervision, parental mental health disorders, parental substance use, family violence or conflict.
• A school may see poor attendance or truancy, failure or poor performance, learning disabilities or emotional disabilities, behavioral problems and lack of positive connections, especially when this marks a change.
• The individual may have negative peer influences such as drug use or gang involvement.
• Kids growing up in poverty with easy access to drugs or alcohol in the neighborhood or the home.
It's not easy to know for sure when an individual is struggling with both mental illness and substance use. Child Guidance & Family Solutions is ready to help. Call 330-762-0591 for consultation.
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