Risky Behavior

Diagnosis

Risky behaviors, such as underage drinking, illicit drug usage, or promiscuity are often tools teens or young adult use to escape what’s really bothering them. Many of these behaviors carry potential legal repercussions, as well as other risks, such as addiction or disease.

Left untreated, these displays often become more and more extreme, as the child struggles to find the same solace without pushing the boundaries ever further. Ultimately, it’s an unhealthy strategy, and by addressing the real, underlying issues that produced this behavior in the first place, we’re well on our way to preventing it.

How We Can Help

Not only will our immersive therapies help by taking your teen out of the environments where they have access to things like drugs and alcohol, they’ll also enter an environment where they can face stressors and receive the help they need. Instead of turning to destructive behaviors, they’ll be guided by behavioral therapy professionals to develop the skills to cope with stress in a healthy way, and build the self-confidence needed to utilize these skills in the real world. Teens are able to reverse the negative trajectory caused by their destructive behaviors, and come back home equipped with the skills needed to succeed long-term.

While borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder are most commonly associated with risky behavior- acting out in potentially harmful ways including bullying, drug and alcohol use.

Promiscuity, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and running away/school refusal can be seen in many types of behavioral health diagnoses.   Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one research supported strategy where risky behaviors can be reduced.