SUD Treatment for People with Co-Occurring Disorders

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by SAMHSA and is available as an open-access article. The term co-occurring disorder (COD) refers to the condition of having at least one mental disorder and at least one substance use disorder (SUD). Of the 61.2 million adults with any past-year mental disorders in 2019, 31.4 percent also had a SUD (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). CODs are strongly associated with socioeconomic and health factors that can challenge recovery, such as unemployment, homelessness, criminal justice system involvement, and suicide (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019). In 2018, almost half (48.6 percent) of adults aged 18 and older with CODs received no treatment. Approximately 39 percent received mental health services only, 1.9 percent received SUD treatment only, and 7.8 percent received both (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). Given the prevalence of CODs in the United States, providers and administrators must focus on the nuances of treating this population. It is important for providers to work with clients to create a comprehensive, individualized plan to treat both disorders and achieve better client outcomes. This Advisory is based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations(SAMHSA) Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 42. It highlights strategies for counselors and administrators to properly screen, assess, diagnose, and manage the treatment of individuals with CODs. This course on SUD treatment for people with Co-Occurring Disorders is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. In addition, this course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced-level practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge of SUD treatment for people with Co-Occurring Disorders. The course material includes a literature review of interventions and theories. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding SUD treatment for people with co-occurring disorders. Specifically, a professional will: Describe the guiding principles for working with individuals with CODs. Identify the key messages provided for treating SUD in individuals with CODs. Recognize the indicators for the appropriate level of care for SUD. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021).CSubstance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Co-Occurring Disorders, Advisory. Publication No. PEP 20-06-04-006