Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect many aspects of a person’s life including their mental health, physical health, social relationships, vocational endeavors, and more.  This training will provide background information on the consequences of substances commonly used by consumers and will introduce participants to the epidemiology and neurobiology of co-occurring disorders.  Participants will learn how to conceptualize co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health disorders and how their interaction affects screening, assessment, and treatment.  Participants will also learn how to develop behavioral intervention strategies for those with co-occurring substance use, mental health, and chronic medical conditions that frequently co-occur. The training will also cover treatment considerations including an overview of evidence-based practices for CODs, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and integrated behavioral health interventions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe at least three (3) mental health and medical consequences of substance use
2. List at least two (2) integrated treatment interventions that can help address the unique needs of consumers with co-occurring disorders
3. Describe two chronic medical conditions that often co-occur with substance use and mental health issues
4. Describe three factors that increase the risk for development of substance use, mental health, and physical health disorders
5. Describe how the neurotransmitter dopamine works in the brain and how it is affected by substance use