There Are Three Parts To This Essay The First Part Focuses O ✓ Solved

There Are Three Parts To This Essay The First Part Focuses On Prevale

There are three parts to this essay. The first part focuses on prevalence; the second part focuses on symptoms of substance use disorders; and the third part focuses on the two systems of care (mental health and substance abuse/dependence). The length of the entire essay should be 750-1,000 words.

Part 1: The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders

The purpose of this part of the assignment is to identify the prevalence of co-occurring disorders. Read Chapter 1, “Introduction,” in the Treatment Improvement Protocol, No. 42 and Chapter 1 of the text. Answer the following questions regarding prevalence of COD (co-occurring disorders). What is at least one statistical piece of information that you do not find surprising? Explain why. Conversely, what is at least one statistical piece of information that was interesting or surprising? Explain why.

Part 2: Clinical Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders

The purpose of this part of the assignment is to become familiar with the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders. Read pages of the DSM-5. Answer the following question regarding substance use disorders. What are the 11-criteria used for identifying and diagnosing a substance use disorder? Provide a brief description of each.

Part 3: The Similarities and Differences in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Systems

The purpose of this part of the assignment is to examine the similarities and differences between the mental health and substance use disorder systems. Read the “Substance Abuse Treatment System” and “Mental Health Service System” sections from TIP No. 42, Chapter 3, “Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Systems: Philosophical and Treatment Approach Issues,” in TIP 9, and Chapter 7 of the text. Address the following: Describe at least two differences and two similarities between the two systems. Discuss the importance of using an integrated approach to treating a client with co-occurring disorders. Include at least three scholarly references in your paper.

Paper For Above Instructions

Co-occurring disorders (COD) refer to the simultaneous presence of mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and care systems for these disorders is vital for effective intervention and treatment.

Part 1: The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 8.9 million adults in the United States experienced both substance use and mental health disorders in 2018 (NIDA, 2020). This statistic may not be surprising, given the increasing rates of both mental health issues and substance use disorders in recent years. The opioid crisis and the rising incidences of depression and anxiety provide a backdrop for these statistics.

Conversely, one interesting statistic comes from a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which found that only about 7.4% of adults with co-occurring disorders received treatment for both conditions in the same year (SAMHSA, 2020). This statistic highlights the systemic barriers in accessing integrated care and indicates a major gap in treatment provision that needs to be addressed.

Part 2: Clinical Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders

The DSM-5 outlines eleven criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders, which are categorized into two groups: impaired control, and social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These criteria include:

  • 1. Substance Use in Larger Amounts: Consuming more of the substance than intended.
  • 2. Unsuccessful Efforts to Cut Down: Making unsuccessful attempts to decrease or control use.
  • 3. Time Spent on Activities: A significant amount of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
  • 4. Craving: Strong desire or urge to use the substance.
  • 5. Failure to Fulfill Major Roles: Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
  • 6. Continued Use Despite Interpersonal Problems: Persisting in use despite complications in relationships.
  • 7. Important Activities Given Up: Reducing or abandoning social, occupational, or recreational activities due to use.
  • 8. Use in Hazardous Situations: Using substances in physically dangerous conditions.
  • 9. Continued Use Despite Physical Problems: Ongoing use despite knowing it causes or exacerbates physical issues.
  • 10. Tolerance: Needing increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect.
  • 11. Withdrawal: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Part 3: Similarities and Differences in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Systems

The mental health and substance abuse systems share similarities and differences that shape treatment approaches. One significant similarity is the emphasis on comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans. Both systems aim to provide tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. Additionally, they may employ similar therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.

On the other hand, key differences exist. Firstly, the focus of substance abuse treatment is primarily on cessation and recovery from addiction, often requiring detoxification and rehabilitation services, whereas mental health treatment prioritizes ongoing psychotherapy and management of psychological symptoms. Secondly, substance abuse systems may encounter more stigma surrounding addiction, affecting treatment accessibility and societal perceptions compared to mental health disorders.

Integrating care for individuals with co-occurring disorders is crucial, as it addresses both mental health and substance use issues simultaneously. This integrated approach can lead to improved outcomes, as it allows healthcare providers to offer comprehensive support tailored to the individual's needs. Research indicates that clients receiving integrated treatment show higher retention rates and lower substance use levels (Drum et al., 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and care systems for co-occurring disorders is essential for healthcare professionals. By identifying trends, the diagnostic criteria, and the nuanced interplay between mental health and substance use disorders, providers can improve treatment pathways and enhance patient outcomes.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
  • Drum, H., et al. (2021). Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 108, 43-51.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Research on Co-occurring Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Co-occurring Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org.
  • Waldrop, A. E., & Kelly, J. F. (2018). The Importance of Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders. Substance Use & Misuse, 53(1), 87-96.
  • Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series No. 42: Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Disorders. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov.
  • Decker, J. (2019). Overcoming Barriers to Integrated Care: Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders. Journal of Integrated Healthcare, 17(4), 23-30.
  • Becker, M. A., & Tschopp, M. (2017). Differences in Mental Health and Substance Use Care Systems: A Historical Context. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 15-20.
  • Clark, H. W., & Davis, V. (2020). The Role of Integrated Care for Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(1), 33-39.

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