Assignment 2: Co-occurring Disorders

Assignment 2: Co-occurring Disorders

Ensuring delinquent youths receive adequate services when in detention is a crucial step in preventing recidivism. Examples of such services are education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment. While the treatment of a single disorder, such as alcohol dependence, is fairly straightforward, the treatment of co-occurring disorders is more complex and poses special challenges. The term "co-occurring disorders" refers to the presence of two or more disorders at the same time. A co-occurring disorder typically consists of a substance abuse issue and a mental health issue, but other combinations exist.

Tasks:

For this assignment, research co-occurring disorders, especially as they relate to youth in detention facilities, and present your findings in a 3- to 5-page paper. In particular, note which disorders are most commonly present at the same time.

In your paper, include answers to the following questions:

1) What special problems do co-occurring disorders present to detention facility officials?

2) Are co-occurring disorders classified in any particular way? Explain.

3) What types of treatment methods are used to treat co-occurring disorders?

4) What is the general prognosis for youth diagnosed with co-occurring disorders?

Submission Details:

Save the paper as M4_A2_Lastname_Firstname.doc.

By the due date assigned, submit your report to the Submissions Area.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria

Maximum Points

Researched co-occurring disorders and noted which disorders are commonly present at the same time.

8

Analyzed and explained the special problems that co-occurring disorders present to detention facility officials.

16

Analyzed and explained the ways in which co-occurring disorders are classified.

16

Explained the various types of treatment methods used to treat co-occurring disorders.

20

Analyzed and explained the general prognosis for youth diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.

20

Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in the accurate representation and attribution of sources; and used accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

20

Total:

100