Jul 30, 2009
Adolescents with Chemical Dependency & Mental Illness: Addressing Complexities of Dual Diagnosis
Adolescents with Chemical Dependency & Mental Illness: Addressing Complexities of Dual Diagnosis--12:30-3:30 p.m.
Understanding the dynamic nature of adolescent brain development and
the link between substance abuse and mental illness in teens requires a
paradigm shift in addressing the needs of a young person with a dual
diagnosis. Traditional confrontational treatment programs with shame
based attitudes towards substance use fail to explore the underlying
causes and challenges faced by youth with co-occurring chemical
dependency and mental illness. One-size fits all treatment ignores the
complexities of the neurological changes that are taking place and the
clues that teens give as to their reason for choosing to self
medicate. This workshop explores the link between the choice of
substance and the type of mental health problem facing the adolescent.
The participants will examine several examples of co-occurring
disorders, each with different mental health problems and different
drug of choice to discuss the need for integrated holistic
individualized treatment plans. The dangers of long term substance
abuse on the developing adolescent and the need for mental health care
to prevent relapse into further self-medicating will be shown. The
presenter will propose paradigm shift from punishment towards a
recovery based juvenile justice system with intensive treatment for
co-occurring disorders.
Presented by: Deborah Cavitt, MS Human Services, Minnesota Certified Teacher, Deborah Cavitt is a project coordinator for Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. She works with schools, children, parents, & professionals to educate and advocate for increased understanding and reduced stigma related to children’s mental health disorders. As a teacher, she taught for over 20 years, primarily on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Minnesota. She also worked as a substance abuse prevention specialist in Iowa, where she started a countywide SAFE coalition through the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy and a SAMHSA’s Drug Free Communities grant. She has a Master’s Degree in Human Service with a specialization in addiction counseling studies.
This event is also offered:
Thursday, June 11, 2009
12:30-3:30 p.m.
Dodge Nature Center, Farm Educ Building
1701 Charleton St, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Thursday, August 20, 2009
12:30-3:30 p.m.
Lakeview Social Hall, Coppertop Church
First United Methodist Church
230 Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN 55811
For more information please visit the MACMH Event Page.