BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

Behavioral disorders are very common in children and young adults; behavioral disorders can be classified as a demonstration of behavior that is noticeably different than that which is expected in a school or community setting. With a young person that expresses behavioral disorders, the first key element is to define what exactly the child is doing that is deviant from normal expected behavior. Once it is defined, it can be observed, and then the best course of action can be developed to treat the behavioral disorder. Often, with a child who suffers from behavioral disorders, especially and adolescent, he or she will display problems interacting with family, friends, classmates, and authority figures.

The main disorder people refer to when discussing behavioral disorders is called conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is a complicated blend of emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Those who suffer from this behavioral disorders often have difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable manner. Their family, peers, teachers, and society often view children and adolescents who suffer from conduct disorder as "bad kids" or delinquents, but in actuality behavioral disorders are a form of mental illness. Some basic symptoms of conduct disorders may include:

· Aggression to people and animals
· Destruction of property
· Deceitfulness, lying, or stealing
· Serious violations of rules

Often times, other disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning disabilities or thought disorders also exist. In adolescents, it's very common for substance abuse to coexist with behavioral disorders.

Without treatment, recent studies have shown that children and adolescents who do not receive early treatment will have ongoing problems into adulthood. With substance abuse in adolescents who suffer from behavioral disorders, the same results exist. Those who do not receive early treatment of their substance abuse will likely develop addictions that worsen in severity in young adulthood, and they will struggle with alcohol and/or drug addiction for the rest of their lives.

At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, the special needs of a developing adolescent are recognized and addressed in treatment. For adolescents who suffer from both behavioral disorders and alcohol and/or drug abuse, dual treatment must be utilized. Gulf Coast Recovery approaches treatment from the aspect of eliminating alcohol and/or drug use, as well as treating the behavioral disorders that have caused the initial usage of drugs and/or alcohol and the subsequent dependence on these substances. Various methods are utilized including group meetings, individual counseling, and medication to treat behavioral and emotional problems, if necessary.

Located in beautiful, sunny, Treasure Island, FL, Gulf Coast Recovery promotes healthy, positive recreation for adolescents. Whether it's fishing on the boat dock, helping out with the weekly barbeque, swimming in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, or exploring Egmont Key on the monthly excursion, teens are shown positive alternatives for their recreation. This enables treatment to be more successful, as they realize enjoyment in other activities, and as their mind is focused on recovery.

If someone you love is showing signs of behavioral disorders combined with alcohol and/or drug abuse, please call Gulf Coast Recovery today to find out more information on available treatment options and programs.