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Gateway Foundation

Alumni Connections Newsletter

Table of Content

Table of Content

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

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

mental health

Mental Health

Individuals who suffer from mental illness may struggle to manage difficult situations and may exhibit unusual behavior or emotions. As a coping mechanism, some individuals may misuse substances, leading to negative consequences. The programs and experienced clinicians at Gateway Foundation provide proper assessment and clinical recommendations tailored to each individual’s specific situation.

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Changing the Stigma of Mental Health

Changing The Stigma of Mental Health

Now more than ever, TV series and movies have been showing characters coping with mental illness while a growing list of celebrities have been speaking out about their own struggles with mental health disorders, helping to continue the national conversation and to change the stigma of mental health.

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Co-occuring and dual diagnosis services

Co-Occurring and Dual Diagnosis Services in Illinois

Substance use disorder can change a person’s mind and body. Physical health impacts allow other conditions to develop, including mental health disorders. It’s common for individuals who struggle with substance use disorder to have a mental health diagnosis and vice versa. When individuals are battling more than a singular disorder, we call this a “dual diagnosis.” Finding adequate treatment programs that target both disorders is a crucial part of reaching sobriety.

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