Alternatives to Group Therapy for Individuals With Disruptive Behavior Disorders

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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 (855) 316-8740.

Improving Natural Physical and Emotional Wellness

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Mental health is directly affected by a person’s physical and emotional wellness. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use various aspects of holistic care to ensure every client receives the support they need to heal physically and mentally from substance use disorder (SUD). We provide positive social interactions, group exercises and activities, a structured schedule, and nutritional meals. During rehabilitation, clients have an opportunity to create healthy routines that they can incorporate into their daily routines. Holistic care can help clients avoid slipping back into maladaptive thought patterns or behaviors. 

What Is Natural Physical Wellness? 

Natural physical wellness helps clients strengthen the mind-body connection using healthy routines. The natural therapies and techniques used to ensure physical health can positively impact the effectiveness of traditional talk therapy and prescription medication. During rehabilitation, focusing on physical wellness can improve the following: 

  • Nutritional intake 
  • Sleep quality 
  • Mood stability 
  • Physical activity 
  • Spiritual health
  • Medication management

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Nutrition, exercise, and appropriate health care…make up the physical dimension of wellness.” Newport Beach Recovery Center encourages clients to participate in natural therapies and activities that strengthen overall mental and physical health. 

How Do Natural Remedies Support Recovery? 

Natural remedies can support multiple aspects of recovery. Clients who feel more comfortable engaging in holistic therapies often notice the following when they use complementary methods like natural healing: 

  • Decrease in negative emotions and thoughts 
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Fewer panic and trauma responses
  • Decreased physical symptoms, including muscle tension, body aches, and migraines

Everyone responds to treatment differently. According to the Surgeon General, “People will choose their [path to recovery] based on their cultural values, their socioeconomic status, their psychological and behavioral needs, and the nature of their substance use disorder.†We use whatever methods best fit our client’s goals and motivations. Reducing the severity of symptoms using natural remedies can allow clients to refocus their energy on evidence-based treatments.

Holistic Options at Newport Beach Recovery Center

Our dedicated team offers multiple natural and holistic therapy options for clients in recovery. We have the resources to bring in experts on various types of natural healing, including: 

  • Mind clarity
  • Meditation
  • Sound bath 
  • Herbal supplements
  • Nutritional coaching 

We integrate therapies that encourage natural physical wellness with traditional, evidence-based methods like psychotherapy to create an all-encompassing treatment plan. Clients are not required to take advantage of our holistic care. However, many people have found it helpful for decreasing stress, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that can interfere with rehabilitation. 

Mind Clarity 

Mind clarity counseling helps clients focus and organize ideas in a way that allows them to think more clearly about their circumstances and treatment. Increased mental clarity and concentration can do the following: 

  • Make it easier to focus on various aspects of therapy
  • Help clients meet recovery goals
  • Improve problem-solving and communication skills

Mind clarity sessions make it easier for clients to understand how behaviors lead to specific outcomes. Part of recovery involves making healthier choices and finding new ways to cope with daily stressors. Clients who can think more clearly about what they want and how to achieve those goals will decrease their risk of relapse and improve their mental health. 

Meditation 

We can incorporate meditation into group and individual therapy. Some common types of meditation include: 

  • Movement meditation like yoga or nature walks 
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) 
  • Transcendental meditation 
  • Guided meditation 
  • Group meditation
  • Mantra meditation
  • Breathwork 
  • Spiritual meditation 

We can bring in experts to guide clients through whatever form of meditation they respond to the best. 

Sound Baths

Sound baths are a form of mindfulness meditation that uses sound to relax the mind and body. Singing bowl meditation is one of the most common forms of sound bath and involves using a singing bowl to create pleasing sounds that encourage deeper meditation and physical relaxation. The technique is known to decrease anxiety and assist with improving mindfulness. The effects can last for days or weeks. Clients often report feeling energized by the experience.

Nutritional and Herbal Supplements

Essential vitamins and minerals play an important role in the body’s recovery from substance misuse. We have nutritional experts who can provide information on herbal supplements and how they can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments. The care team can help clients incorporate herbal supplements or nutritional changes into their diet. 

Holistic Treatment and Relapse Prevention

According to SAMHSA, “A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values.†Treatments focusing on natural physical wellness can help clients develop coping skills based on their strengths and ultimately prevent relapse. The intimate environment at our facility makes it easier to provide personalized holistic treatments to individuals who may feel more comfortable with alternative therapy.  

Natural healing comes in many forms. We can provide you with natural remedies that might help you progress in individual and group therapy. Some options we offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center include herbal supplements, dietary coaching, physical activities, sound bath, and meditation. Alternative therapies are not required. However, they can be beneficial. We can sometimes accommodate other natural healing methods when requested. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and safe environment where you feel supported through the treatment process. Our mission is to help people achieve and maintain sobriety using sustainable methods and skill development. You will have access to therapies that encourage natural physical wellness. Mental and physical health are closely linked, and we go the extra mile to give you the tools you need to succeed. Find out more about our facility by calling us today at (855) 316-8740.Â