According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), co-occurring disorders exist when an individual has at least one mental disorder accompanied by any substance use disorder.  Complex co-occurring conditions occur when any person, of any age, or family experience any combination of mental health and substance use and other addictive conditions, whether or not that person has been formally diagnosed.  Co-occurring complexity is an expectation, not an exception. 

People with co-occurring complexity are best served through integrated treatment that address mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, often lowering costs and creating better outcomes. The American Society of Addiction Medicine recommends a co-occurring capable approach “in which an addiction treatment program welcomes patients with co-occurring conditions with empathy and compassion and provides integrated services for mental health symptom management as part of routine operations.”

Increasing awareness and building capacity in service systems are important in helping identify and treat co-occurring disorders. DBHDID is committed to building a welcoming, hopeful, integrated co-occurring capable system of care to enhance likelihood of early detection and treatment and improve outcomes and quality of life for all persons seeking care.