Conference Workshop Spotlight: Co-Occurring Disorders

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It is now generally agreed that as much as 50 percent of the mentally ill population also has a substance use problem. With such a large number of individuals dealing with substance use issues, it is important to know more about co-occurring disorders and how they impact the landscape of mental illness.

Interested in learning more? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders":

A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Dennis C. Daley, PhD

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among consumers with psychiatric disorders and can complicate their recovery if both types of disorders are not addressed in an integrated manner. This presentation will review the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, types and causes of SUDs, effects on the consumer and family, treatment options (medications and counseling), relapse risk factors, recovery, and how mutual support programs can help. Helpful strategies for consumers and families to cope with co-occurring disorders will be reviewed.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary