In working with clients who have a very difficult and complicated past, how do you know “where to start” when it comes to treatment? Should you treat the addiction first? Should you treat the mental illness first? How do you know what to do? Please find at least one website or journal article that can give us some insight into this topic and helps support your claims of “what should we do first.”
Working with clients who have intricate and challenging pasts, often involving both addiction and mental illness, can be a daunting task for mental health professionals. Deciding where to begin treatment can significantly impact the effectiveness of interventions and the client’s overall well-being. This essay aims to explore the best approach when faced with clients with complex histories, focusing on whether to address addiction or mental illness first. To support our claims, we will refer to relevant insights from a journal article.
Before determining where to start treatment, it is crucial to recognize the intricate relationship between addiction and mental illness. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis or comorbidity, are prevalent among individuals seeking treatment for addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that around 8.9 million adults in the United States experience co-occurring disorders (SAMHSA, 2019). This overlapping nature necessitates an integrated approach to treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (Drake, Mueser, & Brunette, 2019) highlights the significance of addressing both addiction and mental illness concurrently. The study advocates for Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT), which emphasizes simultaneous and integrated interventions for co-occurring disorders. This approach recognizes that addiction and mental illness often exacerbate each other, and treating them in isolation may lead to incomplete or less effective outcomes.
Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) aims to provide comprehensive and individualized care, considering the unique needs and challenges of each client. The primary objectives of IDDT include:
Concurrent Treatment: Simultaneously addressing both addiction and mental illness to prevent the worsening of either condition and to promote better outcomes.
Collaboration: Creating a collaborative treatment team involving mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and other relevant service providers to ensure holistic care.
Evidence-Based Interventions: Utilizing evidence-based practices tailored to the specific needs of the client, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and pharmacotherapy.
When working with clients who have complex histories involving addiction and mental illness, adopting an integrated approach is crucial for their overall well-being and recovery. Research supports the implementation of Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT), which addresses both conditions simultaneously, providing comprehensive and tailored care. By considering the interplay between addiction and mental illness and using evidence-based interventions, mental health professionals can chart a more effective treatment path for their clients, helping them navigate their difficult pasts towards a brighter and healthier future.
Drake, R. E., Mueser, K. T., & Brunette, M. F. (2019). Management of persons with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 106, 80-90. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2019.07.001
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/product/key-substance-use-and-mental-health-indicators-in-the-united-states-results-from-the-2018-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health/PEP19-5068
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