Consumer Perspectives on Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment

Abstract

A series of four focus groups were conducted with 35 clients with a co-occurring diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse to obtain their perspectives on treatment. Four content areas emerged. System barriers, such as poor therapeutic environment, difficulties navigating complex systems, and poor integration of services were most frequently mentioned. Factors facilitating recovery included consumer strengths, a positive therapeutic environment, and helpful recovery tools. Consumer challenges refer to obstacles in the client's life including the long-term chronic nature of their illness, self-medication of psychiatric symptoms, and limited personal resources and options. Specific treatment needs, such as treatment from “similar others,” one-on-one counseling, and time management were identified. The results demonstrate that a client-centered approach is preferred. Limited system resources continue to be a barrier. Improved coordination of services and cross-training on co-occurring diagnosis are needed. Consumers recognize the long-term nature of their problems and have strengths for dealing with them.

Social recovery and economy: a thematic analysis of staffs’ experiences with promoting social community participation for residents with co-occurring problems

“…Staff mentioned how support from individuals in their local communities and their unexpected acts of kindness made it easier to promote social community participation. These qualities are essential to note because one of the key facilitators that persons with co-occurring problems described as useful for recovery is having an adequate support system from persons outside the regular health-care system (Brooks et al, 2007). Findings from this study resonate with Henwood et al (2013) view that more attention to what would constitute a recovery-oriented community is needed.…”

“…According to persons experiencing co-occurring problems, one key facilitator in dual recovery is being able to re-establish a social life and overcoming loneliness and boredom (Brooks et al, 2007). Slade (2012) stated that one of the most crucial roles mental health and addiction services could play in recovery is to support everyday solutions for everyday problems.…”

“Walking alongside:” collaborative practices in mental health and substance use care

“…From first-person accounts of lessons learned in recovery, it is clear that recovery processes take place in everyday life [ 20 – 23 ]. Research shows that recovery processes are facilitated by having a meaningful life with meaningful activities [ 18 , 24 , 25 ], focusing on strengths and future orientation, and re-establishing social life and supportive relationships [ 20 , 26 , 27 ]. Recovery literature also shows that barriers to recovery processes include the lack of tailored help and the need to navigate in complex systems and uncoordinated services [ 27 ].…”