Understanding Comorbid Substance Use Disorders and Serious Mental Illness-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This SMI Advisor webinar, led by Amy Cohen, Amanda Simonton, and Dr. Donna Rowland, explores the intersection of serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD). It highlights the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders, with about half of those with mental illness experiencing substance use issues in their lifetime. Definitions and diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 for SUDs are reviewed, emphasizing a spectrum from mild to severe and the importance of individualized diagnosis per substance. Risky drinking patterns, such as binge and heavy drinking, and screening tools like CAGE and AUDIT are discussed. The presenters stress the chronic disease nature of addiction, akin to diabetes or hypertension, urging empathy and use of motivational interviewing to enhance patient engagement and support recovery. Treatment options, including FDA-approved medication-assisted treatments (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders—like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram—are thoroughly covered. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, harm reduction, and tailoring goals to the patient, acknowledging relapse as part of recovery. The importance of interdisciplinary care, ongoing patient education on medications, and co-management of SMI and SUD for better outcomes is emphasized. The session concludes with a Q&A addressing common concerns about MAT, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

Keywords

Serious Mental Illness

Substance Use Disorders

Co-occurring Disorders

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

Risky Drinking Patterns

Motivational Interviewing

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Harm Reduction

Interdisciplinary Care