Behavioral Disorder Treatment

Behavioral disorders are considered developmental problems, which typically appear in childhood and, for some people, continue into adulthood. There is a great deal of overlap between behavioral disorders and mental disorders—the two are not mutually exclusive.

Similar to people with a dual diagnosis of a mental health condition and substance abuse, people with behavioral disorders often develop habits of substance abuse in order to cope with their symptoms:

• Getting annoyed or nervous easily
• Problems with anger, aggression and sometimes violence
• Antisocial behavior
• Refusing to follow rules, questioning authority
• Frequent arguments or temper tantrums
• Difficulty handling frustration

Some well-known behavioral disorders are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The exact cause of behavioral disorders is unknown—a combination of genetics and childhood environment. Often, they will still affect an adult if they do not have help managing their disorder as a child.

It’s important to take action to manage behavioral disorder symptoms and substance abuse as soon as possible. A behavioral disorder treatment center can help you develop healthier coping skills for daily life and gain control over your disorder.

What Happens in Behavioral Disorder Treatment?

Behavioral disorder treatment centers are specifically focused on the interaction between behavioral disorders and substance abuse. One of the greatest benefits that these facilities offer is the access to relevant resources and a proper diagnosis made by a certified doctor. This makes the treatment process all the more effective, and makes it possible to explore medication options if needed.

Like most addiction treatment services, behavioral disorder treatment begins with intake and assessment. The facility staff needs to perform physical exams, as well as record each client’s medical and substance abuse history. Using this information, they can create the most effective treatment plan.

Individuals in behavioral disorder treatment will participate in a variety of addiction therapy sessions. In addition, some therapy sessions will focus on the person’s specific behavioral disorder. If you or your loved one is struggling with a behavioral disorder, you may need to learn more about it as you begin the process of learning how to cope with it.

A large part of managing behavior disorders and substance abuse is impulse control. Licensed treatment professionals can teach the skills needed to manage feelings and impulses. Through group therapy, clients can share their behavioral disorder experiences and how they have learned to deal with their symptoms.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

When a behavioral disorder has led to substance abuse and addiction, inpatient rehab is the best option for treatment. At an inpatient rehab, you or your loved one will live at the treatment facility, where they can begin the recovery process in a safe environment. At these facilities, clients have support from the staff at all times. By separating an individual from the people, responsibilities, and stressors at home, they can focus more on their emotional wellness.

Inpatient rehab also provides intensive therapy every day, so clients get the time they need to learn about their disorder and new coping skills. Most inpatient stays for addiction treatment range from 30 to 90 days, but some people seek longer rehabilitation programs that can last for a year. Generally, people stay in treatment for more or less time depending on the progress that’s made.

For the best chances of long-term sobriety, people participate in an outpatient treatment program after completing their inpatient stay. In outpatient programs, individuals attend scheduled counseling sessions—both individual and group—while still having the freedom to maintain their normal daily lives.

The reality is, some people can’t afford to go to inpatient treatment because of financial, work, or family constraints. In these cases, it’s still possible to go to outpatient treatment, even if you haven’t attended an inpatient program. In whatever form possible, whether it’s for you or for your loved one, Sober Nation can help you find the right treatment option.

Where to Go for Behavioral Disorder Treatment

Much like dual diagnosis treatment, a person’s needs for behavioral disorder treatment can be specific. The best option is to do your research about different facilities, then make calls to speak with their personnel and treatment professionals. You can consult with them about your concerns and they’ll let you know what they offer.

For most people, it’s best to seek general addiction treatment that’s at least a few hours at home. This separates the individual from any potential relapse triggers that might lead them to stray from treatment. There is also therapeutic value in beginning treatment in a place you’ve never been, with people who know nothing about you.

If it’s important that you or your loved one stay at home after treatment—or find aftercare options near home—you might consider looking for facilities locally. All-in-all, the right treatment location will depend on each individual, the severity and needs of their disorder, and their family dynamics.

How Much Will Behavioral Disorder Treatment Cost?

Treatment costs will vary depending on the treatment center, the length of a stay, and your insurance policy. But, addiction treatment services are generally very expensive because they include the price of therapy and treatment services, sometimes medical expenses, food costs, as well as room and board.

When you find a treatment center that meets your specific needs, call the facility to speak with their personnel about the exact costs. Each facility is different and will accept different insurance policies, but you can ask to see if they accept yours.

You do have the option to pay for treatment out-of-pocket if all else fails. But, many health insurance policies help with the cost of addiction treatment. Some will cover the entire cost, while others will cover the cost of therapy and medications.

Life After Treatment

After gaining so many new emotional insights and coping mechanisms, you or your loved one will need to transition from the cozy bubble of treatment and the real world. Sober living homes and sober living facilities provide a safe place for this transition to happen.

A sober living facility is generally made of homes or apartments, rented by people with significant time in sobriety. These homes offer you accountability—house managers, a curfew, regular drug screenings, house meetings—as well as a community of sober support. This consistent support can be invaluable in recovery from addiction, as well as behavioral disorders

Post-inpatient and during outpatient treatment, a sober living home is a safe option that can help protect you early in sobriety. After outpatient, you can ask your facility about their case monitoring programs. A case manager will basically be a coach in sobriety—someone who you meet with on a regular basis, helps create a year-long plan for your recovery, and you can call when things get difficult.

Though treatment is only the beginning, it can open up a world of opportunities. Don’t give up.

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