Fighting The Stigma Around Mental Health and Substance Abuse
The stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders can deter those struggling from getting help. Adolescents and teens in today’s world face new challenges that may exacerbate mental health issues. The landscape of mental health is changing, but we still have a long way to go to dismiss the stigma and teach our children to ask for help. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
“Research suggests that adolescents with substance use disorders also have high rates of co-occurring mental illness; over 60% of adolescents in community-based substance use disorder treatment programs also meet diagnostic criteria for another mental illness.”
-National Institute on Drug Abuse
Helping young people learn healthy coping skills for their mental illness can be achieved through proper mental illness and substance abuse treatment programs.
Treating Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
For those suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse issues, finding the right treatment plan can be the first step toward hope. There are a variety of options for treatment, including:
- 12-Step self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous
- Traditional talk therapy
- Wilderness therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Residential treatment
- Mindfulness practices
The type of treatment best suited will be different for everyone. Talk to trusted providers and mental health professionals to determine what type of treatment is best for you or your loved one.