COCE's Background

During the last decade, co-occurring disorders (COD) have received considerable attention from the substance abuse and mental health clinical and treatment research communities. As a result, COD is now better defined, and the treatment needs of individuals with COD can be better addressed. New and innovative approaches to prevention, assessment, and treatment have been developed and tested, and a substantial body of evidence- and consensus-based practice has become available. Several seminal documents provide the foundation for current standards in COD policies and practices:

• Changing the Conversation, CSAT’s National Treatment Plan, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders, Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP), SAMHSA
• Co-Occurring Disorders: Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment Implementation Resource Kit, SAMHSA
• Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders, SAMHSA
• Strategies for Developing Treatment Programs for People with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders, NCCBH/SAAS/SAMHSA
• Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America, The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
• National Dialogue on Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders, NASMHPD/NASADAD/SAMHSA