Co-Occurring Substance Addictions
A Comprehensive Approach to Integrated Recovery
It is not uncommon for teenage boys struggling with problematic sexual behaviors to also turn to substances like alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs. This "co-occurrence" often stems from a singular need: a way to escape emotional pain or intensify a sensory experience.
At Kaizen Academy, we recognize that treating one issue while ignoring the other is ineffective. Our residential program offers a specialized, integrated approach that addresses both the sexual behavior problems and the substance use simultaneously, ensuring a more stable and lasting recovery.
The Connection Between Substance Use and Impulsivity
Substance use frequently acts as a "disinhibitor," making it much harder for a teenager to maintain healthy sexual boundaries or resist compulsive urges. When the brain is influenced by chemicals, the "brakes" of the prefrontal cortex are weakened, leading to a cycle where one addiction fuels the other. Our clinical team focuses on helping students recognize this interplay, teaching them how to regain control over their impulses and understand the chemical impact these substances have on their recovery journey.
Healing the "Numbing" Cycle
For many of our students, both sexual acting out and substance use are attempts to numb the symptoms of trauma, depression, or anxiety. This dual-layered approach to self-medication creates a complex web of avoidance. At Kaizen, we provide a "numbing-free" environment where boys are supported as they begin to feel their emotions again. By removing the escape hatches of substances and compulsive sexual behaviors, we allow the real work of emotional processing and healing to begin in a safe, clinical setting.
Integrated Clinical and Family Therapy
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires a unified strategy. We utilize research-based methods that involve both the student and the family. Because addiction impacts the entire family system, our "parent work" is designed to help families understand the mechanics of dual diagnosis. We provide the tools for parents to offer healthy support and set firm boundaries, creating a home environment that reinforces the progress made at our facility in Payson, Utah.
Building a Lifestyle of Continuous Improvement
True "Kaizen" comes from replacing destructive habits with life-affirming ones. Our program isn't just about sobriety or abstinence; it’s about building a life that the student doesn't feel the need to escape from. Through our customized academic program, vocational skill-building, and outdoor recreation, we help young men discover their passions and strengths. By fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose, we reduce the allure of substances and provide a solid foundation for a healthy, addiction-free adulthood.
Addressing co-occurring addictions can feel overwhelming for any parent, but with the right specialized help, your son can reclaim his life.
Kaizen Academy offers the rare blend of clinical expertise and compassionate care necessary to untangle these complex issues. We invite you to contact us to discuss your son's specific needs and learn how our unique program can provide the "change for the better" your family is searching for.