How to recognize and treat Koobus disorders: expert

Letter from Dr. Paula riggsProfessor, psychiatry.

You probably have heard a lot about the crisis of youth mental health and opioid epidemic. But in the conversation, there is often no connection between these two numbers.

When I first started working with adolescents in the early 90s. I noticed a disturbing pattern: Many young people in the treatment of addictive substances also struggled with depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges. Some experienced these problems before they started taking drugs or alcohol, while for others the use of addictive substances worsened the struggle of mental health.

At that time, we did not have clear instructions for treatment for young people who face both the use of addictive substances and mental health disorders – I wanted to try to change it. Over the past 30 years, my research has helped develop new approaches, including the therapy called Encompass, which together treats mental health and use of addictive substances, instead of separately. Many others also contributed to research that led to a new understanding of these questions.

Science has taken a long way and here is what we understand now:

The stars that have become sober

• Disorders of use of addictive substances are health conditions as well as depression or anxiety.
• It is very common for people with problems with the use of addictive substances so that they also have challenges in the field of mental health.
• Effective treatment exists and works with treatment of other types of health conditions.
• The best approach is integrated care, which means mental health and use of addictive substances should be treated together, ideally the same provider or in the same program.

The healthcare system still makes it difficult for individuals and families to obtain the right care. Treatment of mental health and the use of addictive substances are often separate, so people are left to think of two systems instead of one. Also, insurance coverage does not always correspond to the necessary level of care. Families are too often left without clear guidance what treatment is needed and where to find it. Individuals and their loved ones need real responses based on research. Many still believe that the use of substances is just a “phase” or that mental health fights themselves. Others receive incorrect advice – such as the focus on stopping the use of addictive substances without dealing with other mental health challenges.

Drew Carey thinks about his battle with depression and 2 attempts to suicide

In order to more effectively deal with the crisis of the mental health of youth and the epidemic of opioids, we must raise awareness of the connection between the use of addictive substances and the problems of mental health. In addition, we must advocate our leaders and creators of politicians to deal with systemic barriers and ensure that young people and their families have access to effective and integrated treatment.

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If you or someone you know, you are fighting mental health and/or using addictive substances, you are not alone. Look for immediate intervention – call 911 for medical attention; 988 for the rescue rope of suicide and crisis;; or 1-800-662-Help for Samhsa (Administration of addictive substances and mental health). Naloxone (narcan) can help reverse opioid overdose.

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