engaged with professional treatment. That’s their best shot.”
The report acknowledged that little is known about the co-occurring use of opioids and SMI among adult Americans. Because of this, people need to be aware of the overlap concerning co-occurring issues, Everett said. “Many people who come in for addiction treatment, for instance, are going to also have a mental illness and many people who come in for a mental illness treatment are also going to have opioid conditions. So, we need everyone involved and aware that these things can occur together.”
Treatment works and it’s very effective, she emphasized. “Sometimes it takes a couple rounds of treatment for it to work well, but treatment works. I want to encourage people to maintain health if they have one or both these conditions or know someone that does it’s really important.”
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
