Adolescent Psychiatry & Addiction
While infectious diseases and cancers were the principle causes of death among adolescents in the past, during the 21st century accidents, suicide, and other problems related to drug use and abuse have become the nation’s number one unmet health problem. There is a strong need for an adolescent addiction rehab in Florida to provide treatment and the path to recovery for teens.
Specialized Services for Adolescents
The professionals at the Florida Recovery Center and Shands Vista realize the need for specialized services for the adolescent population. The Florida Recovery Center Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction track is designed for young adults between the ages of 12 and 17.
University of Florida physicians and/or Shands Vista therapists and nurses will perform an initial assessment and evaluation for each patient. Each patient will have a treatment plan designed specifically for him/her. In order to provide a full spectrum of care for each patient, a variety of services are available including therapy, education and support groups.
Young adults who are admitted into the Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction track will be hospitalized at Shands Vista for detoxification (if necessary), stabilization and inpatient treatment. The length of stay will vary based on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Dual Diagnosis
Historically, young patients at Shands Vista are often dealing with addiction issues in combination with a psychiatric condition like bi-polar disorder, depression or anxiety. Many times, addictions arise among the adolescent population as a way to cope with these psychiatric conditions. Our multi-disciplinary treatment team is trained in dual-diagnosis and uses only the latest techniques to treat co-occurring conditions simultaneously.
Treatment & the Role of the Family
At the Florida Recovery Center and Shands Vista, we believe the family’s role is highly important in the successful recovery of any adolescent patient. Almost always, the entire family has been affected by the addiction and behavioral issues of the patient. Therefore, family, which we define as anyone who loves and supports the well-being of the patient, may have a need for therapy and guidance as well. Types of family therapy will vary based on the patient’s needs. Ultimately, family involvement is strongly encouraged.
Who We Are
John Harden, M.P.H., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is the executive director for the Florida Recovery Center, and he is also on faculty with the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry in the division of addiction medicine. With 25 years of clinical experience in addiction and related disorders, Mr. Harden remains active in clinical practice utilizing a systems approach to affect change and recovery. He has been extensively trained in the family systems treatment model of young adults and adolescents earning his reputation as a top expert in the field.
Michael Nias, J.D., M.S.W. is an assistant professor at the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry. He is also the director of clinical operations for the UF&Shands Florida Recovery Center.
For more information about the Child and Adolescent Addiction recovery track at the Florida Recovery Center, please call 352.265.4FRC(4372).