Co-occurring disorders (CODs) are both common and frequently missed in clinical practice. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of U.S. adults ages 18 and older with another mental disorder also have a substance use disorder[EG1.1], yet these intertwined conditions remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Now in its second edition, Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment delivers a practical, evidence-based roadmap for clinicians who assess and treat individuals with CODs. This fully updated edition emphasizes comprehensive assessment, integrated treatment planning, and the coordinated use of multiple therapeutic approaches. It also expands the books scope with five new chapters covering internet gaming disorder, psychosocial treatments, family supports, women and pregnancy, and underserved populations, making this edition even more relevant to the realities of contemporary practice.
Building on the strengths of the first edition, the volume is organized into four clear sections:
* Assessment of CODs, which describes the initial interview and carrying out a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment
* Diagnosis of conditions that include depressive and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders
* Treatments, from 12-step programs and motivational interviewing to pharmacological interventions
* Working with special populations, including adolescents, LGBTQ+ communities, and incarcerated individuals
Throughout the book, each chapter is grounded in a clinical case that brings key concepts to life and reinforces real-world application. Each chapter includes questions to test readers comprehension, with answers and explanations provided in the appendix. The result is more than a reference text: it is a hands-on resource that helps clinicians improve diagnostic accuracy, create more effective treatment plans, and address psychiatric and substance use conditions together rather than in isolation.
With its strong emphasis on clinician-patient interactions, practical guidance, and exceptional depth, this guide equips professionals to deliver more confident, comprehensive care-ultimately improving outcomes for patients.
