Topic: Psychology

Question

Describe some of the key responsibilities of a counselor/case manager working with a co-occurring
disorders and substance use addictions that a case manager should know how to do. What kinds of
addictions and substance use disorder resources would they need to find for a client? Why is utilizing
these resources important?

Answer

Individuals who are suffering from mental health or behavioral disorders in addition to substance use
disorder are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Any combination of substance misuse (drug or
alcohol) and mental health problem is considered as a dual diagnosis, for instance, alcohol dependence
and anxiety, heroin addiction and depression, and prescribed drug misuse and anorexia.

To provide therapeutic and intensive medical intervention and care for both conditions, the role of case
managers is very important. Case managers must be culturally sensitive, anticipatory and flexible to
develop an effective relationship with their clients and identify their problems. It is the responsibility of
counselors to involve the family and community in the recovery process so that the probability of
relapse decreases. Moreover, case managers should have knowledge about the available health
maintenance and insurance options, which can be transferred to the clients.

Different options are available for therapy of individuals with co-occurring disorders which includes
group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, psychiatric and medical sessions, trauma therapies
and psycho-educational therapy. The selection of intervention is based on the condition and
circumstances of the patient which is recognized or assessed by the case manager. Moreover, case
managers decide the intensity level of treatment; inpatient services, hospitalization, intensive
outpatient, outpatient services, or early intervention, on the basis of the condition of the patient. It is
important to use the treatment options in response to patients' condition and provide appropriate
therapeutic intervention, so that patients become sober, understand the adverse effects of substance
misuse, and do not go towards relapse.