Shining a Light on Co-Occurring Disorders with Stephanie Marquesano
You shouldn't have to get lucky to make out the other side.
Ever wondered what it’s like to juggle both mental health challenges and substance misuse? In this episode of 'The MAP' podcast, host Andy Bernstein chats with Stephanie Marquesano, the President of The Harris Project, to tackle the often misunderstood topic of co-occurring disorders (COD). Andy, who’s no stranger to the struggles of addiction and mental health himself, brings a unique and empathetic perspective to the table.
Stephanie opens up about her personal journey, which began with the tragic loss of her son, Harris, to COD. This heartbreak ignited her passion to transform how society handles these intertwined issues. Co-occurring disorders, as Stephanie explains, involve the simultaneous presence of one or more mental health issues and substance misuse. The Harris Project is on a mission to bring these disorders out of the shadows and into the light, particularly focusing on teens and young adults.
Stephanie stresses the importance of integrated treatment opportunities, combining mental health care with addiction services to provide a more holistic approach. Throughout their conversation, Andy and Stephanie delve into the challenges of treating COD. They highlight the necessity of prevention programs and educating young people about the effects of substance misuse on their brains and overall mental health. Stephanie points out that anxiety, depression, and fear are often the driving forces behind these disorders, making early intervention crucial.
The episode also touches on the need for systems transformation. Stephanie talks about the importance of social-emotional learning tools and workforce development in creating a supportive environment for those with COD. She shares insights from The Harris Project's collaboration with experts like Ken Minkoff to develop better treatment models and advocate for policy changes.
Listeners will walk away from this episode feeling informed and hopeful, armed with knowledge about the resources available through The Harris Project, including their CODA Conversations for young people. It’s a powerful reminder that breaking the stigma around mental health and addiction is essential for creating a brighter future for those affected by co-occurring disorders.