Out of the Rabbit Hole

Many adolescents who struggle with drug addiction also struggle with mental illness. Addiction and mental illness need to be treated simultaneously, but in reality, this is not typically done. More often than not, clinical practitioners do not address mental health concerns until a patient is in recovery, and most drug counselors are not adequately trained to deal with adolescents who suffer from mental health disorders. Therefore, too many adolescents fall through the cracks in our current system of care. This book strives to change this current practice, to increase the public understanding of addiction and mental illness, and to encourage clinicians to develop a more integrated and coordinated system of care. Overall, this book aims to help young people suffering from addiction and mental illness achieve sobriety, stability, and a newfound sense of purpose and hope.

Deborah Berberich, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of addiction and mental illness. She is married, is a mother of three, and lives in Southern California. She is committed to helping adolescents who are struggling with co-occurring disorders and helping their families restore normalcy out of chaos. She firmly believes that recovery is always possible and that relapse is never a sign of individual failure but is of a need for more effective treatment. With the right treatment program and the motivation to try, it is possible for anyone to achieve a full and sustained recovery!