THE SOURCE ELEMENT

What is the Source Element?

The source element can be one cause of a concurrent disorder (CD). It appears when a specific element affects a person's mental health and tendency to consume drugs or alcohol. It could be a medical condition (cancer diagnosis, hyperthyroidism, etc.) or psychosocial in nature (loss of housing, poverty, violence in the home, etc.). It could also come from an emotional or physical trauma.

The Lightning Bolt

Just as a bolt of lightning can strike a tree, splitting it into two burning halves, the source element can provoke both mental health and substance use challenges.

Testimonial

“I was stabbed, which led me to develop obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and to start using benzodiazepines.”

Possible Avenues for Intervention

If the person is able to find the trigger for their substance use and mental health disorder, accompany them in seeking help from specialized services to treat this trigger element.
Validate their experience of trauma.
Be aware that some situations can reactivate the trauma they experienced. When working with or supporting the person, do everything possible to ensure that they aren’t put in a situation where they lack control, such as:
- Forcing them repeat their entire story from the beginning with each new support worker;
- Having a specific behaviour or environment imposed on them;
- Being identified based on their diagnosis;
- Forcing them to disclose their traumatic experiences, etc.

Create the safest possible environment on every level: physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, etc.:
- Use the person’s first language when speaking with them;
- Clearly communicate with them about how each service works;
- Explain that they are free to leave at any time;
- Ask them what they need to feel safe, etc.