ACTS Consulting Online School

Co-occurring disorders refers to co-occurring substance use (abuse or dependence) and mental disorders. Clients said to have co-occurring disorders have one or more disorders relating to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs of abuse as well as one or more mental disorders. A diagnosis of co-occurring disorders (COD) occurs when at least one disorder of each type can be established independent of the other and is not simply a cluster of symptoms resulting from the one disorder. Many may think of the typical person with COD as having a severe mental disorder combined with a severe substance use disorder, such as schizophrenia combined with alcohol dependence. However, counselors working in addiction agencies are more likely to see persons with severe addiction combined with mild-to moderate-severity mental disorders; an example would be a person with alcohol dependence combined with a depressive or an anxiety disorder. Efforts to provide treatment that will meet the unique needs of people with COD have gained momentum over the past 2 decades in both substance abuse treatment and mental health services settings. (SAMHSA, 2005). 

Course Modality.  This is an independent home-study course. Students will take the course according to their own timeline. 

CE’s: 6 hours. (Reading course text / articles and Application to Practice). To receive the course completion certificate, each student is required to complete and submit Learning Contract, read all text-based materials, view any media posted, complete and submit chapter discussion questions, complete and pass course examination, and complete and submit course evaluation.

Text / Student Resources.  Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders TIP 42. (SAMHSA, 2005).  All course materials will be uploaded to the course platform.