Question

Why is it important to integrate coordinated treatments for comorbid/co-occurring disorders? Provide at least two examples of the potential financial challenges associated with managing the implementation of treatment.

Answer 1

When someone is suffering from substance abuse disorder along with a diagnosis of mental health disorder,then it is called co-occuring disorder.

For example-an alcohol dependent with depression

It is important to integrate coordinated programs for the treatment of co-occuring disorders to prevent suicidal attempts,relapse rate and abuse of substance.

Unless both the issues at hand are dealt at the same time,there are higher chances of relapse and therapy not turning out to be fruitful. Mental illness or disorder if not addressed at the same time can act as an obstacle in drug rehabilitation such as leading to loss of hope,emotional vulnerability and concentration problems.When there is an integration,rehabs know what are a person’s triggers that could lead to relapse and try to work on it integratively.Both the disorders are given same amount of consideration and treatment .Integrative approaches like group therapy where people indulge in Self-help groups get to know that they are not alone in this and this can be cured effectively.This reduces the chances of hopelessness and self-doubt if any.

Sometimes,the mental health disorder has developed as a result of substance abuse disorder which should be identified early.Both pharmacological and psychological treatment is effective in such disorders.

However,there are many challenges and barriers to the integrative treatment.One of it is the financial challenge in managing the implementation of the treatment.One such challenge is the treatment is cost prohibitive i.e the cost incurred for the treatment is not covered in the insurance plan like any other medical illness.This costs the client a lot of money and often incapable of affording the long process of treatment. The other such challenge is lack of resources in rural areas and the lack of reimbursement provided for taking these services.This acts as an obstacle in effective implementation of treatment.