Out of the Rabbit Hole: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction: Evidence-Based Treatment for Adolescents with Co-occurring Disorders

D.A Berberich, Ph.D.

abr 2013 · Xlibris Corporation

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There is an epidemic in this country that is wiping out our youth. Drug addiction and mental illness affect youth from every socioeconomic section of society. The dangers of drug use are not limited to overdose. Club drug use has greatly increased the incidence of HIV in the heterosexual adolescent population from unprotected sex. Similarly, suicide is also related to substance abuse and is one of the leading causes of death in adolescent males who suffer from co-occurring disorders. Evidence-based treatment is currently the recommended treatment for individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders, also referred to as co-occurring disorders. Despite this, there are few providers willing to truly work with adolescents who have co-occurring disorders, and all too often, many adolescents fall through the cracks in our health care system. This book examines addiction and psychological theories and their application to the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Basic biological and social factors involved with addiction are also reviewed in a manner to increase understanding of how an integrated system of care should work. Information presented herein is intended to increase understanding of co-occurring disorders for the general public, law enforcement, therapists, counselors, and all health care providers, to better their understanding and ability to reach out to help adolescents with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Integrated treatment involves coordination between drug counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists. This book serves as the foundation for a treatment program designed for young people from low- to middle-income families, many of whom, due to financial limitations, have been effectively excluded from receiving valuable treatment for their co-occurring disorders. Above all else, the thoughts contained in this book are written as an outreach to the very individuals who suffer from co-occurring disorders, to instill hope and renewed resolve to help them move forward in their recovery.