ABSTRACT
Adolescents typically do well in groups in which the members have similar problems and ages (Sugar, 1986). Adolescents with mental health problems and simultaneous drug, alcohol, and excessive behavioral addictions require a comprehensive approach for treatment (Riggs, 2003). The approach should include group work to help the adolescents interact with each other, to offer support, and to meet the developmental needs of adolescents to identify with a peer group. Other services included in a comprehensive approach are individual therapy, family therapy, educational approaches, and medical and psychiatric interventions as are appropriate (Anderson & McNelis, 2006). A team approach is helpful provided services from varied agencies and programs provide a safety net called the wrap-around concept to help the adolescent with complex problems to succeed (Kerbs, Gaylor, Pullman, & Roe, 2004).
