National Recovery Month spotlights co-occurring addiction and mental health care

Indiana Center for Recovery is using National Recovery Month to highlight the overlap between substance use disorders and mental illness, and the large share of Hoosiers who still do not get treatment. The push centers on integrated care that addresses both conditions together.

Why it matters: - Addiction and mental illness often occur together, and treating only one can leave recovery incomplete. - In Indiana, the treatment gap remains wide for both conditions, leaving many adults without care. - Integrated care can improve the odds of long-term recovery by addressing the full set of issues driving substance use.

What happened: - Indiana Center for Recovery Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center marked National Recovery Month by raising awareness about co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. - The campaign focused on people in Indiana who still do not receive treatment for addiction, mental illness or both. - Dr. Michael Kane said untreated mental illness can increase the risk of substance use disorder, and substance use rarely exists in isolation. - Melissa Boyll said recovery means understanding what contributes to substance use, addressing mental health challenges and building healthier coping skills.

The details: - SAMHSA data show about 428,000 adults in Indiana had both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year. - Mental health conditions and substance use disorder can reinforce each other. - Some people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate mental health symptoms. - Other people develop or worsen mental health conditions after substance use begins. - Mental Health America says one in four Indiana adults with a mental illness, about 135,000 people, did not receive treatment. - SAMHSA data show about four out of five Indiana adults who needed substance use treatment did not receive care. - National SAMHSA data list barriers to treatment including stigma, cost, transportation, family responsibilities, fear of job-related consequences and not knowing where to start. - Indiana Center for Recovery works with patients and families on admissions, insurance coverage, time off work and other practical barriers. - The provider offers psychiatric hospitalization, residential rehab, drug and alcohol detox and outpatient therapies. - Indiana Center for Recovery says its 10 locations commonly treat substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, mood and anxiety issues and co-occurring diagnoses for adolescents and adults. - The South Bend area facility is at 215 W. 4th St., Mishawaka, Indiana 46544.

Between the lines: - The message reflects a broader shift in addiction treatment toward integrated behavioral health care instead of separate care tracks. - The access gap suggests that awareness alone is not enough; practical barriers still keep many people from getting treatment. - National Recovery Month gives treatment providers a public moment to connect recovery stories with the need for more accessible services.

What's next: - Indiana Center for Recovery is likely to keep using National Recovery Month to push for more awareness of co-occurring disorders. - Expanded access to combined mental health and addiction treatment could help more Hoosiers start and sustain recovery. - Families may continue to look for help navigating treatment entry, insurance and scheduling challenges.

The bottom line: - Recovery works best when addiction and mental health are treated together, but many Indiana adults still face major barriers to getting that care.