Raising Awareness about Co-occurring Disorders

This four-page PDF, titled “Raising Awareness about Co-occurring Disorders,” is designed to educate individuals in recovery and their support networks about the complexities of dealing with both substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders simultaneously. It emphasizes the interconnected nature of these conditions and the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both aspects of a person’s health. The document provides an overview of common mental health disorders that often co-occur with SUD, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and offers practical suggestions for managing these dual diagnoses. It also includes reflective questions to help individuals apply what they’ve learned to their own recovery journeys. This resource is ideal for counselors, therapists, and individuals in recovery seeking to better understand and manage co-occurring disorders.

Written by clinical psychologist Dr. Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this printable PDF worksheet gives clinicians a practical, session-ready tool. The conversational, encouraging tone makes clinical concepts accessible to clients at any stage of therapy, while structured prompts keep the work focused and productive.

How clinicians use it: as an in-session exercise to open and structure discussion, as between-session homework to reinforce skills, as a progress tool to track growth over time, and as part of a treatment unit paired with the companion lesson and PowerPoint on this topic. Formatted for easy printing and immediate use in individual or group settings.