The Community Perspective

Mental illness and addiction are prevalent among adults in the United States. An estimated 46.6 million have a mental health issues, and 18.7 million have a substance use disorder. It is estimated that 8.5 million people or 3.4% of adults in the United States are struggling with co-occurring disorders. Communities are adversely affected in many ways. Addressing co-occurring disorders is a complex process, and requires a multi-system response. The opioid epidemic has created an increased burden on communities. Tennessee remains among the top 5 states for nonprescription opioid use, and overdose is a significant public health issue. An additional public health impact involves the rate of chronic medical disease among individuals with co-occurring disorders.

In 2016, 14,004 Tennesseans were admitted to publicly-funded treatment for substance use disorders. Opioids, alcohol, and marijuana accounted for 73.5% of all substances of abuse among adults entering treatment.
In Tennessee, 43%, or approximately 351,000, of people in need of treatment for mental health issues accessed treatment. Among people accessing treatment for mental health issues, 29% were diagnosed with a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Among adults with opioid use disorders (OUD), 64.3% reported a mental illness.
Among people with OUD and mild/moderate mental illness, 47% did not receive any behavioral health treatment.
Only 16% of people with OUD and mental illness received treatment for substance use and mental illness.
Individuals with co-occurring disorders have higher rates of chronic medical conditions than the general population. Hypertension, asthma, arthritis, and smoking are seen in greater proportions among people with co-occurring disorders.
Over 80% of increased expenses were due to medical conditions experienced by people with mental health issues, including substance use disorders.
People who experience co-occurring disorders usually have more episodes of relapse and more emergency room visits.
Individuals with co-occurring disorders have to go to inpatient hospitals to address symptoms of mental illness and addiction more often than people who are dealing with one disease.
At least 50% of people who are homeless have co-occurring disorders. Left untreated, they have little chance at obtaining jobs and permanent housing.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO INITIATING CHANGE TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS.

Treatment works and recovery is real!

Support Enhanced Treatment

Be an advocate by encouraging your public policy-makers to support a “no wrong door” community-based integrated treatment approach where the presence of co-occurring disorders is considered an expectation rather than an exception. Regardless of where an individual goes for treatment, they will be able to get the help they need.

Effective Behavioral Healthcare Treatment Options

Be an advocate by encouraging your public policy-makers to pass laws which focus on a variety of treatment options including, but not limited to, inpatient and outpatient care, supportive housing, and peer-to-peer support as these treatment techniques provide the best possible opportunity for recovery.

Initiate conversations and efforts that provide your local community the resources to manage these diseases and the support to maintain life-long recovery.

Partner with Local Behavioral Health Agencies and Advocacy Organizations

Partner with your local community-based behavioral health agencies and advocacy organizations to educate citizens and bring about awareness of co-occurring disorders and their impact on local communities.

Advocate for Awareness and Education on the Impact of Co-Occurring Disorders

Be an advocate for enhanced training and education for judicial and criminal justice personnel and developing an awareness of the needs of individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders. Be an advocate for incentives for employers to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to effective treatment programs for employees and their families experiencing co-occurring disorders.

Familes

An estimated 60% of families of children in the child welfare system have substance use problems. At least one-half of those have a diagnosed co-occurring mental illness.

Communities

At least 50% of people who are homeless have co-occurring disorders. Left untreated, they have little chance at obtaining jobs and permanent housing.

JUDICIAL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS

In the criminal justice system, 76% of inmates with mental health issues reported substance use.

Suicide Fact

51% of suicide completers have both substance abuse and mood disorders (Suominen et al., 1996)

CO-OCCURRING DISORDER FACTS