Integrated Support for Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
ISSUP Global presents a webinar on Integrated Support for Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Date: Tuesday, 7th April, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM Malaysia | 9:00 AM London
This webinar will look at integrated support and how it addresses mental health disorders and substance use disorders within a single, coordinated treatment plan. It will cover comprehensive assessment, collaborative treatment planning, evidence-based interventions, continuity of care, and holistic support. It will also address the more severe symptoms, higher relapse rates, and poorer overall outcomes associated with treating each disorder separately, and the importance of early identification and multidisciplinary teams in supporting long-term recovery.
Integrated care emphasizes the following key elements:
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Comprehensive Assessment
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Early identification of both mental health and substance use issues through thorough screening and evaluation.
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Collaborative Treatment Planning
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Development of individualized care plans that target both disorders concurrently, often involving a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction specialists, social workers, and counselors.
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Evidence-Based Interventions
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Use of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, contingency management, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate.
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Continuity of Care
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Coordinated follow-ups and monitoring to reduce relapse, promote adherence, and support long-term recovery.
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Holistic Support
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Incorporation of social, vocational, and family support to address the broader psychosocial needs of the individual.
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Intended audience:
- Substance use treatment and prevention professionals
- Recovery support workers and peer practitioners
- Programme managers and service coordinators
- Policymakers and planners in drug demand reduction
- Students and early-career professionals in substance use and mental health fields
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify the challenges and risks associated with treating mental health disorders and SUDs separately.
- Describe the components of a comprehensive assessment for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
- Explain the role of collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment planning in integrated care.
- Recognize and apply evidence-based interventions commonly used in integrated treatment (e.g., CBT, motivational interviewing).
Presenter:
Dr Maafia Shahzadi (PhD)
Senior Lecturer, Management and Science University,
Malaysia
National Trainer (UTC Basic and Advanced) for UNODC & Colombo Plan
Registered Practitioner Psychologist (MAHPC & MSCP)
Dr Maafia Shahzadi, is a substance use and recovery professional with over 9 years of experience in addiction treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and recovery support. She is a Fellow of “Post Graduate Diploma in Addiction Sciences (PGDAS)” in Substance Abuse Education, Treatment, Policy, and Prevention at University of Cyberjaya, Malayisa, 2016-2017.
Moderator:
DR. Maria Mfon Ilugbuhi
Maria Ilugbuhi is a renowned Guidance and Counselling expert, renowned for her specialization in substance use prevention and treatment. With a proven track record as a capacity builder and therapist, she expertly designs, delivers, and manages impactful training programmes in interventions, advocacy and community engagement.
Dr. Ilugbuhi’s expertise extends to forging strategic local and international collaborations, developing solutions that address local, national, and global challenges. She has extensive experience in capacity building, having worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, the judiciary, legislative bodies, law enforcement organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other key institutions. Her international expertise in training and manpower development transcends sectors, driving meaningful global impact. Her vast experience in Drug Demand Reduction spans Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Notably, Maria holds esteemed positions as:
- Global Trainer on Drug Demand Reduction
- Master Trainer and Consultant for the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme
- Master Trainer and Consultant for UNODC Nigeria on Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Care Sensitization
Within Nigeria, Maria has spearheaded numerous School and Community Drug Prevention and Psychosocial Intervention programmes. With a unique background as a former drug law enforcement officer, Maria now oversees The Shelter Youth and Community Network (an NGO) in Lagos, Nigeria, further solidifying her commitment to addressing substance abuse.
References:
Webinars and online events delivered and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.