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U.S. Department of Helath and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
www.samhsa.gov

Overcoming Substance Use and Mental Disorders : A Guide to Recovery From Co-Occurring Disorders

[image: Older male wearing hat.]

What are co-occurring disorders?
About 10 million Americans have co-occurring disorders, which are a combination of substance use disorders and mental disorders. Substance use disorders include misuse, dependence or addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. Mental disorders refer to any medically diagnosable mental or emotional disorder, including such problems as eating, anxiety, mood and depressive disorders, bipolar illness and schizophrenia. 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.

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Above all, it is important to remember that individuals with co-occurring disorders are people. They could be you, your loved one, a neighbor, a teen, an adult — people from all walks of life — with families, hopes and dreams like everyone else.

[image: Smiling adolescent male.]

How do I know if co-occurring disorders are the problem?
About half of all American who have a problem with alcohol or drugs also have a mental disorder. People with mental disorders are more likely to have a substance use disorder than people who do not have a mental disorder. The symptoms of both are similar, so often only one is diagnosed. 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 disorder. If one of the disorders goes untreated, both usually get worse, which can lead to a higher risk for illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C and heart and lung diseases. Other tragedies also may occur, such as unemployment, homelessness, involvement in crime, separation from family and community, and suicide.

[image: Smiling adolescent female.]

Many individuals are uncomfortable seeking help because they are worried about what people may think or say. Others fear discrimination. Getting properly screened and assessed is the first step to getting accurately diagnosed and receiving effective treatment. So if you or someone you know has symptoms of co-occurring disorders, it is very important to seek the help of a qualified professional.

Where do I go for the right help?
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 program where addiction treatment and mental health services work together. America's health care system is changing; these types of programs are becoming more available. They provide supportive, culturally sensitive environments for recovery. Many also offer specific services for those at higher risk, such as teens and older adults.
Finding effective treatment for co-occurring disorders is challenging, but help is available. Please see the list of resources for more about treatment programs in your
area. Being well-informed will guide you to achieving recovery and a life of health and well-being.

[image: Collage of smiling people.]

Where there's help, there's hope.

Federal Resources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Suite 13C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
www.samhsa.gov • www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's National Helpline
800-662-HELP (Toll-Free)
800-487-4889 (TDD) (Toll-Free)
877-767-8432 (Spanish) (Toll-Free)

SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Room 17-99
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-2792 • www.cmhs.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-5052 • www.csat.samhsa.gov

Non-Federal Resources:
This is just a sampling of available resources. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement.

American Psychiatric Association
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
888-357-7924 (Toll-Free) • www.psych.org

American Society of Addiction Medicine
4601 North Park Avenue, Upper Arcade, Suite 101
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4520
301-656-3920 • www.asam.org

National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors
808 17th Street, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006
202-293-0090 • www.nasadad.org

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 302
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-739-9333 • www.nasmhpd.org

National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
703-684-7722

Mental Health Resource Center
800-969-NMHA (Toll-Free)
800-433-5959 (TTY) (Toll-Free)
www.nmha.org

DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 04-3943
NCADI Publication NO. PHD1078

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and mental health Services Administration
Center for Substance Abuse treatment
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857

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