COSIG CONFERENCE BROCHURE.pdf - Drexel University College ...

COSIG Co-Occurring Disorders Conference, Hershey PA, May 15-17, 2006
STIGMA AND CO-OCCURRING
DISORDERS
Suzanne Elhajj, BA - NAMI PA
National Alliance on Mental Illness, PA
Objectives - Understanding
Stigma
• In relation to addiction
• In relation to mental illness
• In relation to co-occurring disorders
• In relation to the workplace
Cheryl Floyd, LSW, CCDP - PRO-A
PA Recovery Organizations Alliance, Inc.
MAY 17, 2006
Pre-test
Addiction
Addiction is a brain disease expressed in the
form of compulsive behavior. It is the
uncontrollable, compulsive drug craving,
seeking and use even in the face of negative
health and social consequences.
Addiction Recovery Guide, www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/articles/article151.html
Addiction – Brain Disease
• Is a biological, brain disorder and public
health problem for which treatment is
available;
• Confusion surrounds behaviors from
symptom of underlying illness;
• Should be understood as chronic recurring
illness;
• Includes some behavioral and social
aspects;
• Just as clinically depressed patients
cannot voluntarily control their moods,
addicted individuals cannot control their
use.
Addiction Facts
• Some studies place the figure as high as 85%
maintaining sobriety when completing treatment
as well as attendance in recovery groups.
• There are an estimated 26.8 million COA in the
U.S.; 17% of COA’s will become addicted.
• 80% of people with heroin addiction are
employed.
• Treatment of addiction meets or exceeds
success rates for treatment of other chronic
illness.
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