Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders

---

How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
• You don't need to pay for an exam until AFTER you pass it. If you have any questions or need more information, please click here.

---

CE Course Description

When two disorders or illnesses occur in the same person, simultaneously or sequentially, and the illnesses interact, they are described as comorbid. This intermediate level continuing education course, developed using information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), provides information on the state of the science in the comorbidity of substance use disorders with mental illness and physical health conditions.  Commentary on why there is comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses is presented as well as an overview of diagnosis and treatment for comorbid disorders.  Additionally, co-occurring substance use disorder and physical comorbidities are discussed along with and the connection between substance use disorders and HIV. Lastly, barriers to comprehensive treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders are examined.

Author: National Institute on Drug Abuse

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe the connection between substance use disorders and mental illness, including prevalence, characteristics, and causality.
2. Identify common risk factors that contribute to both mental illness and substance use and addiction and how mental illness can contribute to substance misuse and vice versa.
3. Discuss approaches to diagnosis of comorbid disorders as well as treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions.
4. Provide an overview of the relationship between substance use disorder and chronic physical health conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, and heart disease.
5. Summarize the connection between substance use disorders and HIV, and discuss prevention and treatment methods.
6. Examine barriers to comprehensive treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders and ways to address them.

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Overview of substance use disorders (SUDs) and comorbidities.
2. Goals of the course.

Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness (30 mins)

1. Why is there comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses? (10 mins)
   1. Shared risk factors.
   2. Neurobiological and environmental links.
2. What are some approaches to diagnosis? (10 mins)
   1. Screening tools for co-occurring conditions.
   2. Importance of accurate and early diagnosis.
3. What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions? (10 mins)
   1. Integrated treatment models.
   2. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy.

Part 2: Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Physical Comorbidities (20 mins)

1. Common physical health conditions linked to SUDs.
2. Challenges in managing physical and substance use disorders concurrently.

Part 3: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and HIV (30 mins)

1. Why is HIV screening important? (10 mins)
   1. Prevalence of HIV among individuals with SUDs.
   2. Importance of routine screening.
2. What are some methods for HIV prevention and treatment for individuals with substance use disorders? (10 mins)
   1. Harm reduction strategies.
   2. Access to antiretroviral therapy.
3. How can we achieve an AIDS-free generation? (10 mins)
   1. Public health initiatives and education.
   2. Role of community support systems.

Part 4: Barriers to Comprehensive Treatment for Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders (30 mins)

1. Stigma and lack of integration between mental health, medical, and substance use services.
2. Strategies to overcome treatment access and equity challenges.

Where Can I Get More Scientific Information? (5 mins)

1. Key resources and organizations for additional information and support.

Total Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Course Level: Introductory

Course Date: 2019-07-01

Content License

Our courseware includes the text content found on our websites as well as video, audio, and exam questions that make up our courses. You can link to and access our courseware free of charge for personal use. You may not modify or redistribute our courseware under any circumstances.

Although we allow free access for personal use, you may not use our courseware for any commercial purposes without an agreement in place. This includes (but is not limited to) using our courseware for internal training, redistributing our courseware for sale, and copying all or parts of any of our courseware.

If you're interested in licensing our content for commercial purposes or have any other questions, please contact legal@edcompassedu.com.

Proprietary Interest Policy

We will disclose, in advance, any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both our organization and contractors. If such proprietary/financial interests exist, we will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials for a course.

No conflict of interest or relevant financial relationship was identified for this learning activity for individuals in a position to control content.

System Requirements

In order to view this course, you will need to be able to view a PDF document for the course material. If your device doesn't have the capability to view a PDF, you can click here to download Adobe Acrobat for free.

Special Needs

If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: support@mindfulceus.com or by phone 1-800-413-3797, so arrangements can be made.

‹ Return to Courses