The Addicted Mind Podcast

333: Changing Minds and Lives in Co-Occurring Disorder Recovery with Stephanie Marquesano

May 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project, shares her heart-wrenching journey of transforming grief into a mission for change. She dives into the crucial link between mental health and substance misuse, highlighting early intervention and education's roles in combating stigma. Reflecting on her son Harris's struggles, Stephanie emphasizes the pressing need for integrated care in addressing co-occurring disorders. Listeners gain insight into the societal shifts required for better outcomes, inspiring hope for families facing similar challenges.
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ANECDOTE

Stephanie's Son Harris' Struggles

  • Stephanie's son Harris struggled with anxiety from age three and later began substance misuse starting with marijuana in eighth grade.
  • Despite early mental health care and an ADHD diagnosis, the underlying mental health issues were overlooked, contributing to his relapse and eventual overdose.
INSIGHT

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

  • Co-occurring disorders combine mental health challenges and substance use issues with overlapping causes like genetics and trauma.
  • Substances may be used to self-medicate existing mental health disorders or cause new mental health issues from repeated use, especially in youth.
INSIGHT

Common Roots of Crises

  • The root causes of overdose, suicide, and substance-related deaths are often common and linked but treated as separate issues.
  • Early education and intervention targeting these roots can change outcomes and reduce stigma.
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