For adolescents who are dealing with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, specialized substance abuse services are offered through our MISA Track within our Adolescent and Young Adult psychiatric acute units. These co-occurring disorders are difficult to treat within a traditional substance abuse program unless they are treated within an integrated treatment system. If co-occurring disorders are not treated simultaneously, it is possible for one condition to improve while the other worsens.
Our treatment teams will continue to assess all potential referrals for the appropriate level of care based on presenting symptoms. For those who meet criteria for inpatient care, a second level of assessment will occur to identify those patients who may benefit from the MISA Track. Once in the MISA Track, patients will receive individual therapy with their substance abuse therapist, scheduled group therapy sessions, and specialized programming focusing on the following themes:
- What is Addiction?
- How to be Successful in Recovery
- Consequences of Use versus Benefits
- Risky Situations
- Defense Mechanisms/Emotions/Benefits
- Spirituality
- Family/Relationships