Branch devotes shelf to books on co-occurring disorders.
By: Lea Kahn
Teenagers troubled by depression often turn to illegal drugs to blunt the pain and feelings of helplessness. The frequent solution is enrollment in a detoxification program.
But while the drug addiction can be alleviated, it still leaves the original problem of the depression. Lost is the fact the teenager may have been suffering from a co-occurring disorder a mental health problem compounded by substance abuse.
To help foster an understanding of co-occurring disorders and to reduce the stigma, the Mercer County Library System has set aside a shelf in the Lawrence Headquarters Branch that is dedicated to books dealing with co-occurring disorders. The shelf is located in the Lawrence, but the books may circulate among all of the branches of the county library system.
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, who said he dealt with his own substance abuse problems years ago, was on hand for a special dedication ceremony for the shelf of resource books on co-occurring disorders Dec. 7.
On the shelf are books aimed at helping teenagers adapt and avoid depression, as well as books that attempt to help readers understand the link between personal problems and substance abuse and addiction. Many of the books are geared toward professionals in the fields of mental health and substance abuse.
"Thousands of people come through the library every year, but having a shelf won’t help, if people don’t know about it," said April Arrington, Mercer County director of human services.
A handful of books have been published that deal with the issue of co-occurring disorders mental illness combined with substance abuse, such as addictive drugs or alcoholism, said Camille Bloomberg, co-leader of the Mercer County Task Force on Co-Occurring Disorders.
In certain respects, the issue of co-occurring disorders is a classic example of "which came first the chicken or the egg?" or, in this case, mental health issues or substance abuse issues, Ms. Bloomberg said. Few books have been written that address the topic, but it is important to ensure that those books are available to family members and other interested persons, she said.
The purpose of the books is to help readers gain a better understanding of the issues, Ms. Bloomberg said. It is important to look at the whole person not just the mental health issues or substance abuse issues, she said.
Mr. Hughes, the county executive, thanked the task force members who attended the dedication ceremony. He reminded them that co-occurring disorders can affect "each and every one of us."
"We really need to do all we can to relieve people who are suffering," Mr. Hughes said. "We have to take care of their emotional needs as well as their physical needs. I want people to know that it is people like yourselves who reach out to help others."

