Concurrent Disorders: Better Support Through Better Understanding

Concurrent disorders are among the most challenging issues in our health care system. Individuals who have both significant mental health problems and substance use disorders are often caught up in a maze of disjointed services that can, paradoxically, make things worse rather than better.

What is a concurrent disorder?

 

A concurrent disorder is when a person has both mental health and substance use issues; these issues appear at the same time and are interconnected.

L’Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec (AIDQ) lists four main causes of concurrent disorders:

1. Self-medication: Using substances to alleviate a mental health disorder. While this strategy may provide temporary relief, it often exacerbates the problem in the long term. Example: a person with chronic insomnia takes sleeping pills or cannabis in the hope of sleeping better.   
2. Substance use as a trigger for mental health disorders: Substance use can trigger or exacerbate mental health disorders such as depressive episodes, anxiety attacks or psychotic episodes. Example: after an intense period of methamphetamine use, a person experiences severe paranoia.
3. Indirect consequences: Substance use can lead to consequences such as job loss, isolation or housing issues, which can in turn aggravate mental health problems. Example: a person loses custody of their children because of substance use, which triggers a major depressive episode.
4. Common factor: Factors such as a traumatic event, biological vulnerability or psychosocial stress can cause both substance use and mental health issues. Example: a person who grew up in a violent and unstable environment develops a personality disorder and starts using substances to regulate his or her emotions.

 

For more information, advice and guidelines regarding these four main causes, visit the  AIDQ website.

 

The runaround phenomenon: when systems don’t coordinate properly

 

Individuals with concurrent disorders are often caught between several systems—health, social, legal, housing—that lack concerted interventions. As a result, these individuals are often shuffled back and forth from one system or service to another, and left without an overall solution to their situation. This is what is known as the runaround phenomenon and it can increase distress, decrease motivation and amplify feelings of exclusion. As documented by the AIDQ, this phenomenon highlights the importance of an integrated, ongoing and person-centred approach.

 

Understanding the runaround phenomenon—AIDQ

 

The “No wrong door” principle is vital to counteracting the runaround phenomenon. It means that regardless of what door a person enters the system through, they must be welcomed, heard, guided and directed to the appropriate resource. Every contact point must provide an opportunity for accessing genuine support rather than simply directing an individual to another link in the system.

An integrated intervention model: Portage’s Mental Health and Addiction Program

 

To address the complex issue of concurrent disorders, Portage offers a structured, integrated Mental Health and Addiction program designed to meet the needs of individuals dealing with these co-occurring conditions. Designed to bridge the gaps between mental health and addiction services, the residential program is built on a comprehensive and compassionate approach.

During their stay at Portage, residents live in a structured therapeutic environment. The program’s multidimensional approach takes into account all aspects of a resident’s situation, including psychological symptoms, substance use, life experience, strengths, needs, trauma and personal objectives.

More specifically, the program offers:

• Therapy sessions that focus on understanding the connection between mental health and substance use
• Clinical interventions to stabilize psychological issues and promote emotional regulation
• Workshops on personal development, self-esteem, conflict resolution and stress management
• Guidance to help residents reintegrate into society and return to their community

The Mental Health and Addiction program offers a structured, welcoming environment that proves that it is possible to efficiently meet the complex needs of individuals living with concurrent disorders. It integrates all aspects of recovery under one roof, providing not only stability but ongoing support.

Offering more services like these could help transform a system that is currently too fragmented. Rather than leaving people to navigate a maze of resources on their own, it is our collective responsibility to build bridges between services so that each door leads to a genuine opportunity for assistance.

 

At Portage, we believe that no one should face these challenges alone.

 

If you or someone close to you is experiencing both mental health and substance use issues, the Mental Health and Addiction program is there to help.

 

Contact us for more information. Your inquiry will remain confidential.