Substance Use/Co Occurring Disorders
What is substance use/co-occurring disorder?
Need to schedule a chemical health assessment? Call 218-387-3620 and ask to schedule an assessment.
A substance use disorder occurs when the regular use of alcohol and/or drugs causes significant life problems, including health problems, disability, legal or financial issues, and an inability to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. Sometimes a substance use disorder occurs along with the diagnosis of a mental illness or a chronic pain diagnosis. This is referred to as a “co-occurring disorder”.
Approximately 1 in 10 adults struggle with substance use/Co-occurring disorders. Although a substance use disorder can feel overwhelming for the person who is struggling and for their friends and families, recovery is possible with treatment and support.
Intake and screening
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder and you want to know more about community services start with a call to an Intake Social Worker at 218-387-3620 and ask to speak to an intake worker.
An intake social worker will talk with you about your concerns and provide you with information on community resources. They may also refer you for a Chemical Health assessment. A chemical health assessment is a confidential evaluation process conducted by a trained evaluator who will interview you on aspects of your life and alcohol and drug use. From this evaluation, guidance for treatment and recovery is provided. Recommendations may include outpatient services, inpatient or residential treatment or perhaps another treatment option. Unless ordered by the court, all assessments and recommendations are voluntary.
The intake worker can assist with scheduling the chemical health assessment or you can call 218-387-3620 and ask to schedule an assessment. Your insurance will be billed for the assessment and it is important to note that you can not be refused an assessment because you can’t pay. You will also be offered support to apply for insurance to cover the cost and treatment if it is recommended.
Cook County PHHS has a contract with Wilderness Outpatient Treatment Services (WOPT). WOPT is staffed by a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Drug Counselor (LADC) who conducts chemical health assessments, provides one to one support and consultation, and conducts outpatient, group treatment services in Cook County.
Treatment referral
Outpatient Treatment
If you are recommended to participate in outpatient treatment services, your next steps include reviewing the treatment plan with the group facilitator and you will also receive assistance if determining payment for outpatient treatment. Your insurance will be billed for treatment; there are also other options for payments.
Inpatient (Residential Treatment)
If you are recommended to participate in Inpatient treatment, you will be connected with a Substance Use Disorder Case Manager who will assist you in connecting with the treatment service that is right for you. The case manager can assist with helping you find resources and supports for housing, transportation and how to plan with your employer.
Case Management
Case management support is offered to all those who are recommended to participate in in-patient or residential treatment. Case management is available through out the individuals time in residential treatment and can assist with problem solving and support as the individual returns to their community. The case manager provides guidance on how to develop a safe and supportive recovery community and also provide connects to other supports services such as medical and mental health supports. Those participating in outpatient services can access SUD case management with a referral from the outpatient facilitator.
Local AA and Al-Anon Meetings Website: Cook County AA and Alanon (gm-aa-alanon.com)
Recovery Alliance Duluth: Recovery Treatment – Recover Alliance Duluth (recoveryallianceduluth.org)
Behavioral Health Fund Application: Consolidated Funding Application.pdf (revize.com)