Discussion Thread: Advocacy reply sha

     There is a growing concern for advocacy needs for addictions and co-occurring disorders for

individuals seeking treatment in the United States and around the world.

   Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates are steadily increasing according to studies especially among today’s youth.  Mental health awareness support is minimal even though it is on the rise. Substance use disorder rates are constantly rising for most populations. We often notice that co-occurring disorders and substance abuse addiction are simultaneous.

    The Affordable Care Act of 2010 gave many individuals a new window of hope when it came to treating for substance abuse issues as well as mental health issues and co-occurring disorders.

   It is imperative that individuals have the reassurance of effective and affordable treatment as well as mental healthcare. Getting the specialized care needed to face the issues of mental health disorders and addiction still has challenges for individuals and families.  Roadblocks and obstacles keep individuals from getting the necessary help they so very much need. Mental health awareness and advocacy are of the utmost importance.

   With comprehensive mental healthcare it requires mental health advocacy and a lot of change; some change is in the works already. Some individuals are scared of being treated unfairly or being judged or labeled. The individuals should be able to seek treatment without being scared.

    In order to find quality providers; individuals and their families need precise resources and information. With those that are in charge of making policies there needs to be services and treatment that are extensive and within reach.

 Mental health advocacy was conceptualized to “give a voice” for human rights of individuals with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. The idea of it was to restructure to get break through the obstacles that stood in the way of a positive mental health outcome.

   Mental health advocacy programs initiatives are steadily rising in many foreign such as Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada, amongst other nations. These programs include many aspects of different agendas in mental health. Many groups join together to share objectives although they do not work as a united front.

        Consumer, non-profit making organizations and so called “survivor” organizations seems to be the ones that are committed to mental health advocacy.  In many countries advocacy is supported through the government, health ministry, countries, and districts. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world one’s mental health is not treated as well as their physical health according to the World Health Organization. (World Health Organization, 2003).

Client Challenges with Professionals in Addiction Recovery

     There is always a challenge when it comes to establishing a rapport with personnel and staff including the behavioral health specialists. Even though clients go to a facility looking to become clean and sober, they do not necessarily have a cooperative attitude. (Misouridou & Papadatou, 2017).

   Some individuals may feel a sense of humiliation or have problems with their confidence. There are clients who have been through several inpatient and or outpatient programs and may have a preconceived idea of what therapy has to offer them and the requirements for completing a program.

   Medical professionals are required to perform their job to the best of their ability as they engage patients and provide encouragement and understanding and resources to the client.  This way the counselor can guide them on ways to substitute a good behavior for a bad behavior (substance addiction) (White, 2016).

    Clients recognize when a counselor or other staff member is thoroughly invested in them by showing an interest and getting involved with the healing process and sobriety of the client.

  

 

References

Misouridou, E., & Papadatou, D. (2017). Challenges in engaging parents in the drug and alcohol treatment: The professionals’ perspective. Qualitative health research, 27(13), 1948-1958.

White, W. L. (2016). The mobilization of community resources to support long-term addiction recovery. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 36(2), 146-158.

World Health Organization. (2003). Advocacy for mental health.

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