When parents discover their teen has developed a substance use problem, they often ask themselves: “Why?” The answer frequently lies in the teen’s underlying mental health challenges.
For parents of teens seeking treatment and therapy for addiction and mental health in Central and Southern California, understanding this connection is critical to finding the right path forward.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual-diagnosis or comorbidity, occur when someone experiences a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition simultaneously. Common mental health conditions that co-occur with substance use include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorder, and various other anxiety disorders.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows one in seven children aged 3–17 have been diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition. The same research showed that40% of adolescents 12–17 experienced some depressive symptoms over the last year.
Recommended: Understanding the Connection Between Teen Addiction and Anxiety or Depression
Examining the Root Cause of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders develop through a complex interplay of mental health challenges and substance use.For many teens, the path begins with underlying mental health issues or traumatic experiences that, left untreated, lead to substance use as they seek relief from symptoms. In other cases, substance use itself triggers or worsens mental health conditions, creating a cycle that requires professional intervention to address.
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Underlying mental health challenges often stem from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Physical or emotional neglect
- Domestic violence
- Parental substance use
- Parental separation or divorce
- Suicide or death in the immediate family
Research shows a clear correlation between experiencing ACEs and struggling with substance use later in life. Read more about the link between teen substance use and trauma.
The Path to Self-Medication
Many young people experiencing mental health symptoms may not recognize them as signs of illness or feel comfortable asking for help. Even when they do identify their struggles, they may feel shame or uncertainty about seeking support from adults. When traditional treatment seems unavailable or unsuccessful, they can turn to substances as an attempt to self-medicate.
Teens can often access substances through various channels, including unsecured prescriptions at home, social circles and parties, online sources, or local dealers. In some cases, it can be relatively easy for teens to access and use substances without being detected by parents, guardians, or other authority figures who can intervene. This ease of access, combined with a reluctance to seek help for mental health challenges, creates a dangerous pathway to substance use and potential addiction.
Recommended: Understanding and Treating Addiction and Other Mental Illness Comorbidity in Teens
The Dual Nature of Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders share a two-way connection: Adolescents who start using substances can develop mental health conditions as a result. Each substance poses unique mental health risks—cannabis use can lead to anxiety, depression, and psychosis, while hallucinogens can trigger mood disorders, panic and anxiety disorders, and reduced executive function.
Beyond these direct effects, substance use can devastate a teen’s general well-being, from physical health and academic performance to friend and family relationships and legal standing. Mounting difficulties can spiral into increased stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health problems, further reinforcing the cycle. Breaking it typically requires professional intervention that addresses both mental health and substance use at once.
Comprehensive Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
At Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, we understand that modern, evidence-based addiction treatment must address all underlying mental health conditions to be effective. Our dual-diagnosis treatment programs focus on the interplay between mental health disorders and substance use. Because integrated care is crucial to success, our teen treatment programs include:
- Comprehensive mental health and substance use assessment
- Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
- Family therapy and support
- Support for academic continuity and life skills development
- Aftercare planning and ongoing support
Our staff has training and credentials in both adolescent addiction treatment and adolescent mental health. Our integrated teen programs provide treatment and therapy for addiction and mental health in Central and Southern California under one roof.
Individualized Treatment Options
Our customized plans are tailored to the individual needs of adolescents and teenagers. Muir Wood provides specialized residential dual-diagnosis treatment through our boys’ program and girls’ program, recognizing that each young person’s identity and experiences play a significant role in the development and treatment of co-occurring disorders. Our personalized approach ensures that every teen receives care that respects and addresses their unique needs.
Real-World Recovery
At Muir Wood, transformation happens through self-discovery. For Ella, a Muir Wood alumnus, this change became clear while working through her recovery program. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and dedicated addiction treatment, she found a new perspective on herself and her journey:
“I didn’t recognize the person that I was when I started … I didn’t realize how much I had changed until I looked back.”
Breaking the Stigma
Stigma is one of the greatest barriers to treating co-occurring disorders. Many people perceive mental health and substance use disorders as separate disorders, and each is differently stigmatized. Muir Wood is constantly working to redefine the perception and treatment of dual-diagnosis disorders, shifting focus to the bigger adolescent behavioral health picture. Our programs focus on the whole person, not just individual symptoms or diagnoses.
Find Specialized Treatment and Therapy for Addiction and Mental Health in Northern, Central, and Southern California
If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges and substance use, know that comprehensive care is available. Learn more about our integrated dual-diagnosis treatment programs for teens in California and how we can help your family begin the recovery journey.