Volume 3, June 2009
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addiction in the news
Hazelden, already world-renown for substance abuse treatment, has been focusing on recovery maintenance. In the December 2008 issue of the Butler Center for Research ResearchUpdate, the importance of continuing care is supported with increased success being directly related to the length and active engagement of continued care.
In 2004, Hazelden partnered with HealthMedia, Inc. of Ann Arbor Michigan to create the MORE program (My Ongoing Recovery Experience). This web-based, 24/7 recovery program supports the first 18 months after treatment conclusion, and includes online, real time discussions with Hazelden alumni, access to a licensed recovery coach via phone and electronically, and many other interactive features that help patients focus and stay engaged in the recovery.
The current challenge is to produce a similar program for the often co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental illness. In the Butler Center for Research April 2000 issue of ResearchUpdate studies indicates that 29% of people with mental illness suffer from substance abuse disorder, twice the rate in the general population.
Thirty percent of alcoholics can be diagnosed with depression, and the rates of anxiety disorders in substance abuse patients can range from 10-60 percent. The prevalence of such dual disorders presents special issues, starting with the difficulty of diagnosis. Mental health issues may mask addiction, while substance abuse symptoms can be difficult to detect when paired with mental illness.
In addition, mental illness can interfere with recovery from substance abuse. Special case management is required to improve outcomes for this group, and traditional recovery and maintenance programs must be modified to meet the needs of these patients.
According to Mark Sheets, Executive Director of Regional and Recovery Services, Hazelden sees a high percentage of chemical dependency with a co-occurring disorder such as mental illness.
“To get the best outcome, both disorders must be treated together. People do better when the treatments are simultaneous, rather than treating one issue and then the other,” says Sheets.
The same is true for any continuing care program for this specific population, and MORE already provides resources for mental health disorders as part of its library. However, more particular support may be needed to improve outcomes.
“People need assistance and support with follow-through after treatment — support for continuing to take medications, see a therapist, all those things. A relapse in a mental health condition can lead to a relapse in the addiction. We need to help people get the additional resources and support that a dual diagnosis requires,” Sheets explains.
Web-based continuing care should be very similar to other post-treatment support programs, but with more products and services that are specific to the various combinations of chemical dependency and mental health issues. What this product will look like in the end is unknown, but the need has been determined. “It’s an important aspect for Hazelden in moving forward with improved and comprehensive care,” Sheets confirms.