Adult Mental Health Division

Co-occurring Resources: Family and Friends

Welcome to the Family and Friends section of the Co-Occurring Resources webpage.

You may wonder what co-occurring disorders are. A person has a co-occurring disorder when they have a mental illness and substance use disorder.

Did you know that Hawaii received a grant from the federal government to improve the quality of care for those who have co-occurring disorders? It was called the Co-Occurring State Incentive Grant or COSIG.

To find out more about substance use disorders (or addiction), check out the website on PBS.org.

If you think or know that your loved one has a substance use problem and you want more information, click here to order free information from the government.

If you would like more information on mental illness, you will find information on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) website.

How would I know if my child has a mental illness? These are 12 questions every parent should ask. 12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Does my child… Often seem sad, tired, restless, or out of sorts? Spend a lot of time alone? Have low self-esteem? Have trouble getting along with family, friends, and peers? Have frequent outbursts of shouting, complaining, or crying? Have trouble performing or behaving in school? Show sudden changes in eating patterns? Sleep too much or not enough? Have trouble paying attention or concentrating on tasks like homework? Seem to have lost interest in hobbies like music or sports? Show signs of using drugs and/or alcohol? Talk about death or suicide? If you answered yes to 4 or more of these questions, and these behaviors last longer than 2 weeks, you should seek professional help for your child. Go to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division for information on how to seek help.

How would I know if my child has a substance abuse issue? Go to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Tips for Teens and Parents for information.