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.
