Introduction to Co-Occurring Disorders part 1: Theoretical perspectives, practices, and principles for integrated COD services
The substance use disorder treatment field continues to advance in regard to the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective interventions for those in need of services to promote recovery. Included in these advancements is an increased understanding of dynamics that are essential to master in order to have the greatest possible impact on positive client outcomes, unique to particular cross sections of the population. While the treatment technology associated with best results for addictions treatment among individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) has been better understood and articulated for several decades, persistent misunderstanding of the needs of this population and the nuances of service delivery are still pervasive in many treatment settings. This session will highlight ten considerations that are essential for programs that are providing treatment to individuals with SPMI and the role of those considerations in service delivery. Clients with COD are at higher risk than general population for detrimental effects of substance abuse. Harm reduction and other whole health/wellness approaches have become vital components to have available for individuals seeking care from effective COD treatment programs. Typical negative consequences of substance abuse that are the focus of health promoting interventions include physical effects (e.g., chronic illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases, general wellness), social effects (e.g., loss of family support, victimization), self-care and independent functioning (e.g., mental illness relapses, malnutrition, housing instability, unemployment, incarceration), and use of substances in unsafe situations (e.g., driving while intoxicated).