NCJ Number
134690
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 79-113
Date Published
1991
Length
35 pages
Annotation
The high rates of dual diagnosis of drug abuse and mental illness among adolescents make it clear that drug treatment programs must also address mental illness and that both disorders must be carefully explored to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Abstract
The most recent study of the subject showed that more than half of drug abusers suffer from a mental illness, with more than 76 percent of cocaine abusers showing mental illness. Affective and anxiety disorders are the most common. Among alcoholics, 37 percent have another mental disorder, most often anxiety disorders, antisocial personality disorders, and affective disorders. Therefore, the traditional splitting of treatment for adolescents should not occur. Instead, a comprehensive team effort is required that includes the family and is located in the youth's community to avoid isolating youths from the network where they live and learn. 71 references