Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment at Driftwood Recovery: Supporting Positive Change in Children and Adults

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a disruptive behavior disorder often diagnosed in school-age children, though it can persist into adulthood. Characterized by an ongoing pattern of defiant behavior, angry and irritable mood, and hostile behavior toward authority figures, ODD can severely affect a child’s life, family life, and school life.

At Driftwood Recovery, we provide evidence-based care to help individuals with oppositional defiance disorder and co-occurring conditions, such as substance use disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. With support from a qualified mental health professional, clients learn to build healthier coping strategies, repair interpersonal relationships, and move toward long-term recovery.

Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual defines ODD as a pattern of oppositional and defiant behaviors that last for at least six months and occur in three or more settings (e.g., home, school, community).

Oppositional defiant disorder symptoms include:

• Frequent temper tantrums or physical aggression
• Persistent irritable mood and angry outbursts
• Refusal to follow rules or directions from other authority figures
• Blaming others for one’s own mistakes
• Deliberately annoying other children or adults
• Vindictiveness or aggressive behaviors toward family members or peers

Without proper mental health care, ODD may lead to more serious behavior problems, including antisocial behavior and conduct disorder.

Risk Factors and Causes of ODD

ODD results from a combination of biological factors, environmental factors, and psychological influences. Children may develop ODD due to:

• Genetics or abnormal child psychology
• Exposure to inconsistent discipline or positive reinforcement of problem behaviors
• Childhood trauma or disruptive behaviour disorders in the home
• Mental health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety disorders
• Social rejection and externalizing behavior problems at school

Younger children and those with chaotic family life may be especially vulnerable to developing behavior disorders.

How Oppositional Defiant Disorder Affects Daily Life

Untreated childhood ODD can affect nearly every area of a child’s behavior, including:

• Performance and relationships in school life
• Bonding with family members and siblings
• Interactions with other children and authority figures
• Daily structure, discipline, and problem solving skills

Behavioral symptoms also increase the risk of future mental health disorders, conduct disorder, and antisocial behaviour if left unaddressed.

How Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treated?

At Driftwood Recovery, oppositional defiant disorder treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment by a mental health provider or child psychologist. If necessary, a child psychiatrist or mental health professional may also be consulted.

Effective approaches to treat ODD include:

1. Parent Management Training (PMT)

Teaches caregivers positive parenting strategies, such as offering child praise and structured positive reinforcement to shape child’s behavior in healthier ways.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps children and adults identify triggers, reduce problematic behavior, and develop appropriate coping mechanisms.

3. Family Therapy

Improves family life, encourages better communication, and creates strategies to prevent oppositional defiant disorder from worsening.

4. Skills Training

Focuses on problem solving skills, emotional regulation, and rebuilding child’s relationships with peers and adults.

5. Medication Management

While not a first-line treatment, medications may help manage other mental health conditions like ADHD or mood disorders.

Supporting Long-Term Growth and Change

Recovery from ODD requires consistency, structure, and support from both professionals and family members. Driftwood Recovery provides:

• Trauma-informed care tailored to behavioral issues
• Therapy to manage disruptive behaviors without reinforcing oppositional behavior
• Tools to foster long-term behavioral change and reduce behavioral problems

By addressing both mental health and behavior disorders, we ensure each patient has a realistic path toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Individuals with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) may struggle to adhere to program rules and expectations during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Driftwood Recovery treats ODD and other co-occurring conditions alongside SUD to ensure a better outcome and to reduce the risk of relapse. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.