IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1165 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 20, 2024 Mr. LaLota submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of April as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month .

Whereas a co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis, is the condition of having a mental illness and a comorbid substance use disorder; Whereas, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21,500,000 adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder; Whereas people with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness; Whereas no specific combinations of mental and substance use disorders are defined uniquely as co-occurring disorders; Whereas the presence of two or more disorders can complicate diagnosis and treatment; Whereas integrating both screening and treatment for mental and substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the whole person; Whereas increased awareness leads to earlier detection; and Whereas early detection and integrated treatment can together improve outcomes and quality of life for people with co-occurring disorders: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the designation of Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month ; and (2) recognizes the importance of— (A) improving awareness; (B) advancing research; and (C) developing new treatments and diagnostics for co-occurring disorders.