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What are co-occurring disorders?
Within the LITS Initiative, co-occurring disorders (also referred to as “dual-diagnosis”) are defined as a combination of substance use and mental health disorder.
What types of substance use and mental health disorders are co-occurring?
Substance use disorders include misuse, dependence, or addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. Mental health disorders refer to any diagnosable mental or emotional condition, such as anxiety, mood, depression, bipolar, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.
How serious are the co-occurring disorders?
Co-occurring disorders vary by severity, duration, symptoms, degree of impairment, and type of treatment needed. However, they can cause problems in many aspects of people’s lives. Their mental and physical health, relationships with others, job performance, and the ability to manage day-to-day activities all may be affected.
Who is affected by co-occurring disorders?
About 10 million Americans have co-occurring disorders, however this number is quite small when you consider the impact on family, friends, and significant others dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Above all, it is important to remember that individuals with co-occurring disorders are PEOPLE, with families, hopes, and dreams like everyone else. They could be YOU, your loved one, a neighbor, a teen, an adult – people from all walks of life.
What’s the likelihood that co affecting me or someone I know?
Remember that about half of people affected by substance use disorders also have a mental health disorder, and people with mental health disorders are more likely to have a substance use disorder. The symptoms of both disorders are similar and sometimes only one disorder is diagnosed. Thanks to increased awareness of a LITS principle – “Co-occurring disorders is the expectation, not the exception” - more and more treatment professionals are able to recognize and address both disorders.
How do I know if co-occurring disorders are the problem?
Pay attention to what you can observe or feel: For example, a person may use alcohol or drugs to stop feeling depressed or anxious. People may try to downplay the problem of either a substance use or mental health disorder. If one of the disorders goes untreated, both usually get worse, which can lead to higher risk for illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis B & C, heart and lung diseases. Other tragedies may occur as a result of co-occurring disorders going unchecked, such as unemployment, homelessness, involvement in crime, separation from family, and community, and suicide.
Why is it difficult for people with co-occurring disorders to seek help?
Many individuals are uncomfortable seeking help because they are worried about what people might think or say. Others fear discrimination. Some people even feel more comfortable seeking help for one type of disorder, but uncomfortable addressing the other. It is important to provide support and understanding to a person contemplating seeking help, without trying to “fix” that person.
What do I need to do to get help (for myself or someone I know)?
Getting properly screened and assessed is the first step to getting accurately diagnosed and receiving effective treatment from a qualified treatment professional. Additionally, self-help resources and information tools are more readily available, in conjunction with treatment – please visit our Resource Links page to help yourself or someone you know.
What can be expected from treatment?
In the past, substance use disorders and mental disorders were treated separately. But the best way to treat co-occurring disorders is through an integrated treatment program where addiction treatment and mental health services work together. Thanks to LITS, Louisiana’s healthcare system is changing; these types of programs are becoming more available. They provide supportive, culturally sensitive environments for recovery, and may offer specific treatment services for those at higher risk and/or support services for those encountering barriers to treatment.
What else do I need to know?
Seeking information and help is a scary first-step for some, and treatment may involve changing the way you do some things…for the rest of your life, perhaps. Remember that being a well-informed advocate (for yourself or someone you know) is essential to achieving recovery and a life of health and well-being.
