Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring behavioral disorders affecting their ability to heal and move forward with their lives. Behavioral disorders can affect all aspects of a person’s life, from relationships to physical health. Some individuals with behavioral issues struggle to feel comfortable listening to and following the instructions of authority figures, making it more difficult for them to adhere to treatment programs. Driftwood Recovery provides additional treatment and support to help clients diagnosed with SUD and co-occurring oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or other behavioral disorders.
Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Individuals with ODD have difficulty relating to others in a healthy way. Negative feelings may cause friction, tension, or conflict within personal or professional relationships. According to Psychology Research and Behavior Management, “Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is diagnosed broadly on the basis of frequent and persistent angry or irritable mood, argumentativeness/defiance, and vindictiveness.”
The warning signs and symptoms of ODD generally fall within the following categories:
- Anger and Irritability: Temper tantrums, angry outbursts, resentfulness, and frequent irritability
- Argumentative and Defiant Behavior: Refusal to comply with requests, clashing with authority figures, deliberately provoking others, blaming others for mistakes, executive dysfunction, refusal to practice healthy social skills, and not following rules
- Vindictiveness: Repeatedly seeking revenge or acting in a spiteful way in response to actual or imagined slights
ODD can have a profound effect on families, especially children and young adults.
Risk Factors for Developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Some of the most common risk factors for developing oppositional defiant disorder include:
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Peer rejection
- Trauma
- Abuse or neglect
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Family conflict
- Neurobiological factors
- Behavioral issues in early childhood
Identifying and addressing underlying factors contributing to ODD improves treatment outcomes for individuals in rehabilitation. Clients with ODD are more likely to adhere to treatment rules and guidelines if they have help addressing their co-occurring mental health issues.
Treatment Approaches for Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Psychotherapy is one of the most successful treatment approaches for addressing behavioral disorders, including ODD. Driftwood Recovery uses personalized therapy sessions to help clients overcome challenges in recovery and manage the effects of co-occurring disorders. All treatment programs offer individual and group psychotherapy. The clinical team uses comprehensive assessments to determine which therapeutic modalities may provide the best outcomes.
Therapy at Driftwood Recovery: A Focus on Individualized Care
Therapy modalities at Driftwood Recovery focus on strengthening interpersonal relationships and building essential skills, including communication. Clients with ODD benefit from participating in the following:
- Family therapy and other family support services
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy
- Skills training to cope more effectively with social and emotional stress
The treatment center uses individualized care plans to reduce distractions and motivate clients to make more meaningful lifestyle changes. Clients learn to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings, allowing them to identify and address the root causes of anger or irritation more easily. Treatment programs also teach clients to set healthy boundaries that can help them avoid angry outbursts or confrontations.
Addressing Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions
Many people with ODD and SUD have co-occurring mental health conditions. Underlying factors, including co-occurring conditions, play a significant role in the development of oppositional defiant disorder. Studies have shown that ODD “is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors, including disruptions in neurotransmitter regulation and family dynamics.” Driftwood Recovery uses trauma therapy, family therapy, and other forms of mental health treatment to guide clients through processing their emotions and triggers.
Medication Management
Some people with behavioral issues and co-occurring SUD benefit from prescription medications to reduce symptoms. Medications alone are not a standard treatment for ODD. However, some people may choose to take medications to reduce symptoms of SUD or co-occurring conditions as they work through ODD in therapy. The combination may make it easier for some people to grow and heal.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
Family dynamics play an integral role in recovery from SUD and impact how people manage behavioral triggers. Creating a supportive home environment can reduce unwanted behaviors and make ODD more manageable. Driftwood Recovery offers family therapy and education to ensure clients and their loved ones know how to develop healthier relationships and a nurturing home environment.
Promoting Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Managing ODD involves finding healthy coping mechanisms to effectively reduce unwanted and harmful emotional outbursts. Clients at Driftwood Recovery learn to identify, process, and control their emotions using practical coping skills. Through therapy, family engagement, and peer support, individuals with ODD learn to successfully balance their emotional responses to everyday stressors and unexpected situations.
Long-Term Strategies for Success
Driftwood Recovery is committed to helping families build a healthier future by giving them the tools and resources to manage SUD and conditions like ODD. Clients benefit from alumni services and a supportive community that encourages long-term sobriety through mutual empowerment and peer support.
Individuals with ODD learn to interact effectively with others, build healthy relationships, and reintegrate into the community. Driftwood Recovery offers tailored care to ensure clients have the support and guidance they need to develop positive routines. Individuals with ODD can heal from chronic substance abuse and make healthy behavioral changes.
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.
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