Drug Use & Mental Health

Program Summary And Objectives:
"Millions of American today receive health care for mental or substance-use problems and illnesses. These conditions are the leading cause of combined disability and death of women and the second highest of men."
Improving the Quality of health Care for Mental and Substance-Use Conditions,” Institute of Medicine Report, November 1, 2005

Studies are showing an alarming trend, incidents of mental illness related to drug use are on the rise. It’s unclear what came first, did a predisposition to mental illness lead to drug use, or is it the other way around? No matter what, co-occurring disorders are a problem.

Especially in the wake of this year’s hurricanes and other disasters, mental health and substance abuse professionals need to be poised to provide additional care for those suffering serious mental trauma and who may turn to alcohol and drugs as a result.

During this hour-long broadcast, hear from treatment providers about the delicate balance between treating a person’s addiction and his or her mental illness. We’ll also learn about the stigma attached to mental illness and how coalitions can help fight it. Hear from representatives of the American Psychiatric Association about the group’s advocacy of comprehensive and non-discriminatory health insurance coverage of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Define co-occurring disorders
• Learn about the difficulty treating co-occurring disorders
• Discover solutions to the problems both communities and patients face
• See how community-based organizations can help improve the local climate to assist those in recovery from substance use disorders and mental health problems.

Panelists:
Patricia Ordorica, MD — Consultant, Addictions Research, the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Ordorica is a member of the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse and a former chair and current member of the American Psychiatric Association's Council on Addiction Psychiatry.
Deirdre Forbes — Intake Coordinator for Madison East, part of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Ms. Forbes is in recovery from a co-occurring disorder.
Larry Rickards — SAMHSA Representative
Hosted by Mary E. Larson, Vice President of Communications and Membership for CADCA