Co-Occurring Disorders: Understanding Self-Medication and Complex Recovery

Co-Occurring Disorders: Understanding Self-Medication and Complex Recovery will be presented on Tuesday May 15, 2018, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm; by Jeremy Suttles, MSE, LMSW; Clinical Social Worker, University of Michigan Hospital - Adult Inpatient Psychiatry. Co-Occurring Disorders, also known as Dual Diagnosis, is the term used to describe having both a substance use disorder and a mental health or medical illness; the symptoms of one influence the symptoms and treatment of the other. Diagnosing and treating these disorders can be challenging, as the two are often so entwined that they are difficult to separate. People with dual diagnosis issues often use substances to self-medicate to treat the symptoms of their medical or mental health issues, but the consequences of that use include poorer mental and physical health. The cycle of dual diagnosis can be a challenge for both providers and patients during recovery. This presentation will provide an overview of what co-occurring disorders are, how they are identified, their prevalence, and the most effective methods of treatment. Emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive model of recovery that provides for emotional and physical health recovery as well as ongoing sobriety. This program is part of the Dawn Farm Education Series, a FREE, annual education series developed to provide accurate, helpful, hopeful, practical, current information about substance use disorders, recovery, family and related issues; and to dispel the myths, misinformation, secrecy, shame and stigma that prevent people with addiction and their families from getting help and getting well. All programs are free and open to anyone interested. Registration is not required. 1.5 hours of free C.E. approved by MCBAP (Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals) is provided. A certificate to document attendance is provided on request. The Education Series is organized by Dawn Farm, a non-profit community of programs providing a continuum of services for people with substance use disorders.