How Do Mental Health Conditions Relate To Substance Use in Adolescents?

When it comes to teenagers, 1 out of 10 suffers from substance addiction and mental disorders. Occasionally, people suffering from addiction can be diagnosed with comorbidity.

During adolescence, a variety of factors can affect one’s decision-making and mindset. This includes peer pressure, body changes, culture shock, stress, and more. All of this combined can take a toll and lead to unwanted behavior, like experimenting with unhealthy substances. Learn about our adolescent intensive outpatient program in Los Angeles.

The Connection Between Substance Use and Mental Illness

Addiction and mental disorders can coexist without relation, meaning that one does not necessarily lead to the other. However, the link between self-medication and psychosis must be noted. If you know a teen struggling with any addiction, contact us today – we can help. We are a teen mental health treatment center in Los Angeles which provides the best help to the troubled child.

A person experiencing a mental disorder might choose to self-medicate. This can lead to addiction or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). According to research, addiction and mental illnesses are prone to manifest in people aged 18 to 25. This stage in life is where they might experience stress, which can lead to depression. When they encounter mental challenges, they tend to self-medicate, ultimately resulting in addiction. Mental health and substance abuse in adolescents is being discussed more every day, and rightly so.

On the other hand, one of the significant factors for teen addiction is the struggle to fit. When a person consumes alcohol or drugs, the brain “re-wires,” affecting the mind and behavior, after abusing a substance, a psychosis might happen, resulting in a mental disorder.

Drug Use and Mental Health Disorders in Childhood or Adolescence Increases Later Risk

Being exposed to an environment where people freely consume alcohol and drugs is not ideal for teenagers. During this stage in their lives, their ability to decide what’s right or wrong can be easily swayed. They are less likely to try those substances with proper guidance from adults, both at home and at school. This is particularly important since they are at the stage where trying new things seems exciting, and their stance on drugs and alcohol is not negative yet.

The use of drugs has a considerable harmful effect on the development of an adolescent’s brain. Their influence can lead to psychosis, or other issues, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, serious mental illness (SMI), and more.

 Why are kids with mental health disorders prone to substance use?

Children who do not receive treatment for their mental health issues might suffer when they are adults. In some cases, a child might end up dealing with a substance addiction due to untreated ADHD. At the same time, teens who have untreated anxiety or depression can also suffer from substance use and mental illness in the future. 

It is essential to address both of these issues at the same time. Make sure to talk with your child if you notice anything strange, and help them as soon as possible. This is how you can prevent addiction problems.

Some adolescents experience a lack of attention from their families. They might be reserved or socially awkward. This results in anxious behavior and a depressed mindset. If they feel left out by their loved ones, they might find solace in marijuana and alcohol. 

 Where to Find A Suitable Rehab Facility for Adolescents

Dealing with mental health and substance abuse in adolescents is challenging, especially if you do not know the root cause of your child’s addiction. That is why choosing an appropriate rehab facility is important. While it might be rare for someone to suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues, it is vital to monitor the child’s health and offer the best possible treatment to avoid further risks. 

Teen drug rehab facilities, like Key Healthcare, offer sober living programs wherein kids from ages 14 to 17 can be supervised constantly. A specific lifestyle is curated for them, which involves therapy sessions that address dealing with addiction triggers. Other activities will gradually help them deal with the effects of withdrawal and make them feel better.

This rehab facility for teens has the best therapies and treatments available for a successful recovery. All the staff is licensed, and they value the patient’s trust deeply. Additionally, treatments like sober living are covered by insurance, making the programs much more accessible.