Alternatives to Group Therapy for Individuals With Disruptive Behavior Disorders

A woman with brown hair and wearing white is smiling.


Young adults diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs), including oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), have a higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Adults in treatment who have symptoms of untreated DBDs may struggle with social interactions. According to the Journal of Affective Disorders, individuals diagnosed with disruptive disorders in childhood have an increased risk of “adult antisocial personality disorder, overall poor physical and mental health functioning, and increased rates of substance use and abuse.” 

Personalized treatments that address disruptive behaviors alongside SUD have a greater likelihood of positive outcomes in long-term recovery. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. We accommodate individuals with disruptive behaviors who actively work to establish and maintain sobriety. 

What Are Disruptive Behavior Disorders? 

Adolescents and teens are most commonly diagnosed with DBDs, a diagnosis category that covers multiple disorders including ODD and CD. If left untreated, DBD can affect young adults and interfere with treatment for substance abuse. 

At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we primarily treat SUD. If necessary, we can refer clients to outside mental health services. However, in most cases, we can accommodate dual diagnosis and treat the symptoms simultaneously using evidence-based methods like psychotherapy. 

Some of the most common co-occurring disruptive behaviors include:

  • Inability to focus during individual or group therapy sessions 
  • Cognitive dysfunction caused by prolonged substance abuse 
  • Difficulty taking directions from authority figures 
  • Compulsions and other symptoms of mental health disorders

In some cases, the symptoms are mild, and we treat them alongside SUD using alternative holistic therapies. This treats the clients as whole beings with multiple facets, instead of focusing only on their disorders. We collaborate with clients and their families to determine which treatment options will provide the best possible outcome. 

Most Common Co-occurring Behavior Disorders 

Disruptive behavior disorders can have many underlying causes. Cognitive dysfunction, mental health issues, and the physiological side effects of certain substances can all contribute to disruptive behaviors. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders that contribute to behavioral issues include:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
  • Specific phobias 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders
  • Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
  • Personality disorders 
  • Bipolar disorder (BD)
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Any untreated symptoms will continue to undermine your sobriety and increase your risk of relapse. Early treatment for co-occurring disorders is essential to ensure you continue making progress in your recovery. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we can treat most co-occurring conditions using talk therapy, peer support, and prescription medications. 

Disruptive Behaviors Caused by Physical Health Issues 

Substance abuse can affect your brain and other body systems, and long-term use can cause lingering neurological issues. In addition, some injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause disruptive behaviors and increase the risk of developing substance use disorder.

According to Experimental Neurology, TBI can cause “injury-induced inflammation, blood-brain barrier permeability, and changes to synapses and neuronal networks within regions of the brain associated with the perception of reward.” Positive behaviors and routines usually involve emotional or tangible rewards to encourage long-term change. Making behavioral changes can sometimes be challenging if the brain’s reward centers are affected by injury, illness, or substance abuse. 

How We Treat Individuals With Disruptive Behavior Disorders 

Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to treat individuals with mild co-occurring behavioral issues. In many cases, disruptive behaviors are connected to substance abuse, and the side effects increase symptoms of SUD. We treat all active conditions simultaneously to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable. Our team uses psychotherapy, prescription medications, behavioral modification, and other tools to help our clients find healthy ways to manage or eliminate unhealthy behaviors. 

Often, behavioral issues resolve themselves as clients become more self-awareness and develop essential coping skills. We treat individuals with behavior disorders using compassion, empathy, and a holistic approach to therapy. Our team also offers biofeedback therapy to help clients develop mindfulness, emotion regulation, and greater self-awareness. 

Alternative Treatments for Individuals With Disruptive Behavior Disorders

We have the resources to provide alternative therapies that address your specific needs and accommodate mild disruptive behavior disorders. Some alternatives to traditional group psychotherapy include: 

  • Music therapy 
  • Art therapy 
  • Creative healing 
  • Behavior modification
  • Biofeedback
  • Individual psychotherapy 
  • Adventure therapy

We hold regular experiential groups that give you a healthier outlet for your emotions. Disruptive behaviors affect nearly everyone in the program, and our care team will monitor your progress to determine if you require more in-depth mental health treatment.

Is Group Therapy Right for You? 

Group therapy may not be the best option for individuals with uncontrollable disruptive behaviors caused by physiological or cognitive changes. However, if you have behavior issues caused by problems with emotion regulation or decreased social skills, you can benefit from attending group therapy. During sessions, you will learn how to improve communication, respect boundaries, and find healthy ways to cope with disruptive behaviors. 

Group therapy requires the ability to maintain focus for at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time. However, many mind-altering substances can cause long-term side effects, including chronic inattention, focus loss, and “brain fog.” We encourage clients with attention issues to continue participating in group therapy. The whole group can benefit from seeing positive behavior changes as treatment progresses. Moreover, brain fog can get less severe and impairing after getting further into a treatment program.

Traditional group therapy is a cornerstone of addiction recovery. Some people with behavior disorders feel uncomfortable or bored in therapeutic group settings. It’s imperative to push your comfort zone in treatment. Avoiding behavior triggers and learning to cope with the symptoms can help you adapt to group psychotherapy sessions. However, if you do not feel comfortable in group therapy, you can choose to join holistic therapy groups. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses comprehensive assessments to determine the best treatment approach for each client. Our program offers many approaches to healing. You might benefit from participating in holistic therapy with us if you have ADHD or mental health issues that cause disruptive behaviors. For help, call us today at (888) 850-0363.

Why Do So Many People in Recovery Experience Depression?

A woman looking out of the window at a city.


Many people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) experience depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depression is not unusual. Clinical depression is one of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.7% of adults regularly feel depressed.

Substance abuse can cause changes in the brain that lead to the development of depression. In some cases, substance abuse is used as a form of self-medication to cope with the symptoms of pre-existing depression. Newport Beach Recovery Center provides evidence-based treatment to help clients manage depressive symptoms related to SUD and co-occurring conditions during rehabilitation.

How Common Is Depression?

Many people experience depressive symptoms at some point in their lives. However, nearly twice as many individuals with SUD have depressive episodes compared to the general public. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2019, 7.8% of adults with SUD experienced depressive episodes. The number of individuals with SUD who have major depressive symptoms has continued to increase in the last decade. COVID-19, increased economic stress, and other factors have contributed to the increase of people struggling with depression. Some risk factors for developing depressive symptoms include:

  • Substance abuse
  • Financial issues
  • Relationship problems
  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Trauma
  • History of mental health disorders
  • Lack of emotional support
  • Unsafe living environment
  • Emotional or physical isolation
  • Genetics
  • Age

According to the CDC, individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 have the highest risk of becoming clinically depressed. In addition, this age range is more likely to abuse alcohol and other mind-altering substances. As such, we need to check on our younger loved ones and help them get the medical care that they need.

Substance Abuse and Changes the Brain

Alcohol and drugs produce physiological changes that affect mood and cognition. The side effects stop certain areas of the brain from working as effectively. As a result, some people develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms. Teens and young adults who abuse substances can affect their developing brains and potentially cause long-term damage. In many cases, the effects of substance abuse on the brain reverse themselves in time. However, certain mood changes might take longer to dissipate, and they could require prescription medications like antidepressants to manage the symptoms.

Additionally, prolonged use of substances can start to deteriorate certain areas of the brain. This leads to a less functional and cognitively-impaired brain. The change in functionality can cause enough mental distress to trigger a depressive episode.

Depression and Co-occurring Disorders

Many co-occurring mental health disorders feature depressive symptoms. According to Science and Practice Perspectives, “Mood disorders, including depression . . . are the most common psychiatric comorbidities among patients with [SUD].†Comorbid depression exists along a spectrum. Some individuals may barely notice it, while others might have difficulty functioning in their day-to-day lives due to depressive episodes and other side effects.

During treatment for SUD, it is essential for anyone struggling with co-occurring conditions to participate in simultaneous treatment addressing all active and underlying mental health issues. The most common forms of treatment for depression include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Prescription medication
  • Biofeedback
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  • Alternative holistic therapies

During treatment at Newport Beach Recovery Center, you will collaborate with your care team to determine the best approach to treatment and therapy. This may include inpatient residential treatment or a partial hospitalization plan to start with. Afterward, you may switch to a less intensive treatment plan like intensive outpatient or outpatient aftercare.

How Does Depression Impact Recovery?

Depression exists along a spectrum, and severe symptoms can significantly impact recovery. Some individuals with depression have difficulty completing basic tasks of daily living, including:

  • Getting out of bed
  • Dressing appropriately
  • Maintaining personal hygiene
  • Preparing, eating, and cleaning up after meals
  • Staying motivated
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintaining essential relationships
  • Attending mandatory treatment sessions

Depression can cause you to withdraw and isolate yourself from others as a way to protect yourself from emotional distress. However, it is crucial to actively communicate your needs and nurture your close relationships. Family support can provide significant motivation for individuals with depression.

Depression and Your Loved Ones

Close family members and friends may have difficulty understanding the realities of depression and how it impacts your everyday life. In many cases, depression affects relationships. You must actively work to communicate your needs and concerns. If you do not discuss your depressive episodes with them, they may react based on assumptions instead of facts. It is vital to remain open and objective when discussing mental health issues to protect your loved ones and yourself from misunderstandings. Let them know your needs during depressive episodes.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing depression. The disorder or symptoms may run in the family. However, every person reacts differently to depression. In addition, substance abuse can significantly increase the severity of depressive episodes. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression and your symptoms look much different than those of a family member, educating them on the realities of addiction and dual diagnosis can help them understand your situation better.

Treatment Options for Individuals in Recovery

The most successful and common treatments for depression include prescription medication and talk therapy. We can accommodate dual diagnosis with primary substance abuse. Alternative treatment options offered by Newport Beach Recovery Center include:

  • Biofeedback
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Creative healing
  • Hypnotherapy

Clients at the Newport Beach Recovery Center participate in group and individual trauma therapy. In many cases, addressing underlying issues like trauma can reduce symptoms related to anxiety or depression. Processing trauma allows you to find healthier ways to cope with the symptoms of SUD. You can collaborate with your therapist to determine the best therapeutic method to address your depression and other co-occurring disorders.

Many people recovering from substance abuse experience depressive symptoms related to their condition or co-occurring disorders. In some cases, depression is caused by substance abuse and physical changes to the brain. Other individuals have underlying issues or completely separate issues that contribute to the development of depression. You can successfully recover from depression and SUD by participating in dual-diagnosis treatment. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods, including psychotherapy and alternative therapies, to treat substance abuse and dual diagnoses. In groups, you’ll also engage in behavioral activation to counteract depression and SUD. To find out more about our treatment programs and services, call us at (888) 850-0363. Start your healing journey from co-occurring depression and SUD today.