To our Alumni, 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we wanted to take this opportunity to increase awareness and provide information about co-occurring disorder treatment.

Mental health and substance use disorders are often intertwined, and treating both is essential for long-term recovery. This is where the concept of co-occurring disorder treatment comes in – it is a treatment approach that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about half of people who experience a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point. Co-occurring disorders can occur when someone is using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms of their mental health disorder, and it can also occur when drug or alcohol use triggers the onset of mental health symptoms.

In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to prioritize your mental health and reach out for help if you need it. Talking openly about mental health is the first step towards breaking down stigma and making treatment more accessible to those who need it.

Thank you for being a part of the Gateway Foundation family, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Shane Hassler
Program Director, Digital Services