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What are co-occurring disorders?
Within the LITS Initiative, a co-occurring disorder (also known as dual-diagnosis), is the presence of both a mental health and a substance abuse disorder, whereas each disorder can be diagnosed without the presence of the other.
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.
What is LITS?
LITS stands for "Louisiana Integrated Treatment Services". The goal of the LITS initiative is to reach co-occurring capability in all state-funded mental health and substance abuse facilities.
What is “co-occurring capability”?
Co-occurring capability is a measurable, basic standard of care provided to persons with both mental health and substance abuse disorders. Co-occurring disorder capability (CODC) means that a facility is “capable” to a certain degree to treat the other disorder.
How is LITS funded?
LITS is funded through the Co-occurring State Incentive Grant (COSIG) which is a $3.4 million grant for 5 years.
What happens to LITS when COSIG dollars are no longer available?
COSIG dollars are being utilized to build the foundation / infrastructure of the LITS initiative. COSIG dollars are being used to fund policy development and technical assistance in the creation of integrated clinical procedures, as well as training for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders staff.
Within the LITS Initiative, is the goal for Louisiana to open new
co-occurring facilities?
No, LITS goal is to ensure already existing facilities reach Co-occurring capability.
How do I get involved in my local area?
On the HOME PAGE, in the LITS organizational chart, click on the Local Steering Committees box, then choose the office in the city closest to you - you'll find contact information for local steering committees.
Are LITS events open to everyone?
Depends on the event, click on the event on the Events Calendar and open detail page to discover event information. If no logistic information listed, then event is closed to stakeholders.
Why are some LITS events closed to stakeholders?
Some LITS committees have specific work plans and deadlines, if those groups are open to all stakeholders and become too large then the progression of the work may be impeded. Some training events are kept down to a specific number of participants in an effort to foster an effective training environment.
