Challenges and Struggles: Lived Experiences of Individuals With Co-occurring Disorders

Approximately 20 million people have substance abuse disorder in a given year, and approximately 7–10 million of them will have co-occurring disorders (CODs) of both mental illness and substance abuse. Individuals with COD have higher rates of other chronic health problems (i.e., diabetes) and multiple rehospitalizations and overutilize emergent services. Despite their elevated risk for physical morbidities, there is a dearth of literature that focuses on the impact for those with COD of having multiple physical health disorders. The purpose of this interpretive study was to understand, describe, and illustrate the social and structural barriers that individuals with COD of mental illness, substance abuse, and general medical conditions encounter in regard to their health care. A purposive sampling of 20 individuals with COD (11 men and 9 women; 65% African American) were recruited from community treatment centers and supportive housing sites. Social and structural barriers to managing medical health conditions while living with COD were identified in three realms: (a) in having interpersonal relationships with health care providers, (b) in negotiating an arduous health care “system,” and (c) in trying to manage health conditions while living in unstable shelter.