Behavioral Healthcare Treatment for Adolescents & Teens
Dual Diagnosis
- Written By: Brian Gamarello LCADC, CCS, ICCS
- Reviewed By: David Errickson, LCWS, LCDC, CCS
- Last Updated: November 2, 2023
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens in NJ
Undeniably, American teens struggle at levels not seen before, especially regarding mental health. With that can, unfortunately, come substance abuse issues. For teens dealing with mental health as well as substance abuse problems that go untreated, it can set them up for challenges throughout their lives. Addiction and untreated mental health can progressively worsen. Treatment can help reverse this so teens can thrive now and in the future.
Portum Behavioral Health offers dual diagnosis treatment for teens in NJ. We offer various levels of care, all specialized specifically to the unique needs of teens and adolescents.
Portum Behavioral Health is an Intensive Outpatient Program in Hunterdon County.
Mental Health Among Teens
Teens are already going through so many changes during this time in their lives. They’re dealing with body and hormonal changes, trying to find their places socially, and perhaps stress from their environments.
Young people face immense pressure, and that’s only worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
There’s the push to earn good grades, determine their future, perform in sports or other activities, and deal with social challenges like bullying.
Some of the mental health conditions most common among teens include depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Eating disorders and self-harm can also be concerns for young people.
Signs of mental health struggles among teens can include:
- Loss of interest in things they enjoyed or activities.
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Withdrawing socially.
- Canceling plans with friends and family.
- Struggling at school or absenteeism.
- Hanging out with new people.
- Being evasive or dishonest.
- Defensiveness or anger.
- Risky behaviors, like engaging in sexual activities.
It’s not easy to determine if a teen is experiencing a mental health problem or if they’re dealing with things that teens go through, like biological and hormonal shifts. When mental health is an issue, the symptoms can be more severe and long-lasting. If you see one or more of the above symptoms, speaking with your teen about their mental health might be needed.
At Portum Behavioral Health, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for teens in NJ. Dual diagnosis treatment integrates both mental health and substance abuse care.
Contact our New Jersey behavioral health center today to learn more about how we can help.
Substance Abuse and Addiction in Teens
Substance abuse and addiction are two different things, but only subtly. Substance abuse can and often does turn into addiction.
Any time someone misuses or uses a substance illegally, it’s considered abuse. Addiction starts as substance abuse.
Psychological addiction is a disease that affects the brain. The effects are especially significant for teens because their brains are still developing.
If your teen is not only using substances but also doing so because they depend on it, they could have an addiction. Addiction is characterized as compulsive and out-of-control behaviors related to seeking out substances and using them.
There’s also the potential for physical dependence to occur. Physical dependence means that your teen may go through withdrawal symptoms if they stop using drugs and alcohol suddenly.
The signs of addiction can overlap with mental health symptoms, and may include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to relax or forget problems.
- Their use of drugs or alcohol isn’t to have fun or to get high—it’s compulsive and entirely out of their control.
- Your teen might try and fail when stopping alcohol or drug use.
- Teens could spend significant amounts of time getting the substance, using it, and recovering from the effects.
- There could be a need to take more of a substance to get the same effects.
- As is true with mental health disorders, addiction can lead to changes in both sleeping and eating habits and mood.
- There could be a loss of interest in school and other activities.
Portum Behavioral Health offers teen dual diagnosis treatment on an individualized basis. We also integrate family therapy into our programs.
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Understanding Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis refers to a teen or adolescent with both a mental health and a substance use disorder. These are also known as co-occurring disorders. Either one can come first, or they can appear around the same time.
When these conditions occur together, the effects of both can become worse.
If a teen’s mental health issues aren’t treated, their substance use can increase and worsen. The same can happen with substance use increasing. It becomes a difficult and dangerous cycle.
It’s estimated that around 50% of people who have a substance use disorder at some point in their lives will also experience a mental health disorder.
It’s not always easy to determine which condition comes first. Substance use disorders don’t necessarily always cause mental health disorders, but there’s a link.
Risk factors like genetics and environmental factors contribute to addiction and mental health disorders.
Mental health disorders can also give rise to substance abuse, as someone tries to self-medicate to deal with their symptoms. Both mental health disorders and addictive substances affect the brain’s reward centers.
Alcohol and drugs can also trigger brain structure changes, making a mental health disorder more likely.
Portum Behavioral Health is a leading dual diagnosis treatment center for teens. We’re located in New Jersey and can help your family every step of the way, from diagnosis to every aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan.
We’re on a mission to end the youth mental health crisis through science-backed, human-first, data-driven treatment designed for teens.
Portum Behavioral Health is on a mission to help teens and young adults in adapting to the world around them, fostering a positive attitude for a better tomorrow. We offer unparalleled treatment for adolescents, teens and young adults at our New Jersey inpatient rehab located in a farm home that allows your family a path to healing.
Teen Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Teen dual diagnosis treatment simultaneously deals with mental health and substance use disorders. Based on scientific research and evidence, this is the most effective approach to support long-term recovery. If one condition goes untreated, the likelihood of relapse increases significantly.
- The foundation of teen dual diagnosis treatment is behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapies can include cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy, which help reduce harmful behaviors.
- Some teens may need medication as part of their treatment plan.
- Holistic approaches to treating multiple disorders can help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stress, and create productive habits and routines for themselves.
If you’re looking for dual diagnosis treatment centers for teens, Portum Behavioral Health is a leading program in New Jersey.
Programs Available at Portum Behavioral Health
We offer care levels at our New Jersey teen treatment center. Each treatment plan is based on the teen’s needs from start to finish. Programs and levels of care include:
- Residential inpatient, with onsite living. This is for teens with severe substance use or mental health disorders. The environment comprehensively focuses on treatment and recovery and is structured and supervised.
- Partial hospitalization programs. These day programs are similar to inpatient treatment, but teens can return home when their treatment day ends. They’re still very comprehensive and specialized.
- Intensive outpatient programs. An IOP at our New Jersey center is a step down from higher care levels, with some flexibility.
- Traditional outpatient. Our least intensive level of treatment is outpatient rehab, where teens come to the center several hours a week for additional support as they navigate their sobriety and recovery.
If you’d like to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment for teens in NJ, please contact Portum Behavioral Health.