Concurrent Disorders

“Coast knows there is a problem and aims to support its members toward recovery”.

• Drug & alcohol use is as a co-occurring problem associated with mental illness affecting significant portion of its membership.

• Coast responds to a broad spectrum of issues related to mental illness & drug use by employing integrated efforts based on best practices & evidence-based approaches.

• Screening & assessment for concurrent disorders as well as recovery assistance are a part of routine, organization-wide practice.

“Coast understands that recovery takes time”.

• Recovery from drug use or addiction is recognized as a long-term, changeable & complicated process that may take place over extensive period of time.

• Coast makes every effort to assist its members through an individualized approach, support & referral to community based addiction treatment & rehabilitation programs.

• Coast is committed to provide easily accessible services, with a variety of options, to fit the needs of the members at their stage of recovery.

“Coast will educate and promote healthy choices regarding drug use”.

• The use of drugs & alcohol can have damaging effects on mental & physical health of people with a mental illness.

• Coast advocates for healthy lifestyle choices by promoting health & wellness from a holistic model, consistent with Coast’s psychosocial rehabilitation philosophy.

• It is understood that friends, families, employment, housing, education & every aspect of a person's life may be affected by recovery from both mental illness & drug use & require support.

• Coast focuses on motivating members to implement informed lifestyle changes that endorse recovery. In doing so, Coast is sensitive to its members’ diversities such as culture & religion.

“Coast’s rules and property must be respected by all members of the Society”.

• Coast’s response to the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or over the counter drugs not prescribed by a physician is based on licensing & legal requirements, program regulations & community expectations.

• Coast acknowledges & respects members’ desires & responsibilities for making choices, including drug use.

• Coast expects cooperation from staff & compliance with regulations.

Coast Concurrent Disorders Project

Goals and Objectives

• Increase awareness & acceptance among staff & members of concurrent disorders.

• Create a variety of educational programs & addiction supports available to all Coast members.

• Increase a level of competency among Coast staff regarding concurrent disorders by providing staff with universal, transferable skills necessary to address mental health & addictions issues.

• Incorporate best practices in concurrent disorders management into Coast policies, procedures & practices.

• Create active outreach program to substance using / addicted members to help them in continuing recovery through engagement, support & access to community resources.

• Establish peer support network of Coast members in recovery who would acquire skills for effective peer support / mentorship through educational & training opportunities created by Coast.

• Involve community partners in mutual training & easy access to services provided by community programs.

• Influence traditionally delivered mental health & addiction services by reinforcing, advocating for & modeling integrated program for concurrent disorders.