Addressing Comorbidities

Whether a mental health disorder or an alcohol problem comes first for the adolescent (temporal primacy), varies between individuals. Nevertheless, the comorbidity of mental health problems and alcohol problems is strong. Treatment of young people with alcohol problems must, therefore, include screening and addressing mental health disorders in the treatment plan, including depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, antisocial behaviour, and a history of sexual abuse or other trauma (see section on Assessment above). 

Adolescent who drink may experience a range of psychosocial crises.  In these cases, outreach and crisis interventions that cater appropriately for their developmental stage and incorporate consideration of their cultural background, lifestyle and in many cases their family, should be engaged.