Addictions and Mental Illness

- Working with Co-occurring Disorders (1 day)

Many people struggling with a mental illness are also struggling with an addiction. Recovery for people coping with both of these issues is complicated because they affect each other and are intertwined. Caregivers may often be at a loss for where to start - did the addictions cause the mental illness, did the mental illness cause the addictions or is there something else leading to both? This workshop provides a framework for working systemically with both issues at the same time. Participants will explore the impact of both addiction and mental illness, an overview of the theoretical frameworks for both issues, and how to integrate strategies in a way that supports health and change.

Workshop Outline

Overview and History of the Link
Statistics & Definitions
Beliefs and Assumptions
Common Dynamics and Characteristics of Co-Occurring Disorders
Underlying Causes
Impact on the Family
Supporting Individuals and Families
Overview of Mental Illness
Overview of Addiction
Treatment Models of Addiction
Biological Routes of Addiction
Psychological Routes of Addiction
Social Routes of Addiction
Coping and Regulating
Role of Attachment
Spiritual Routes of Addiction
Assessing for Co-Occurring Disorders
Barriers to Assessment & Treatment
Bridging the Gap – Towards a Both/And Perspective

Target Audience

This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop intended for social workers, social service and health care professionals, teachers, parents, and anyone working with those who struggle with both addictions and mental illness.

Method of Delivery

Lecture, personal reflection, video, case study review and small group discussion