Connection Is Care: Why Mental Health Treatment Matters in Substance Use Recovery

An Atracare Mental Health conversation with Therapist Marie Hudson

“When people feel like they belong, they thrive.”

Quick Summary

• Focus: Why mental health treatment is essential for people with substance use disorder (SUD)—and how to remove real-world barriers.
• Biggest barriers: Limited resources—especially transportation and lack of community.
• What works: A biopsychosocial, person-centered approach + strong community connection.
• Local context (Sussex County): Growing partnerships and referral pathways to expand access.

Meet the Clinician

Marie Hudson, Therapist — Atracare Mental Health
Marie works with individuals navigating substance use and mental health needs. Her care philosophy: treat the whole person, tailor support to the individual, and prioritize connection—because recovery deepens in community.

Why Mental Health Treatment Is Essential for SUD

People with SUD often carry layered challenges—biological, psychological, and social. Untangling those threads together improves outcomes. That’s the core of the biopsychosocial model:

• Bio: Physical health, medication needs, sleep, nutrition.
• Psycho: Mood, trauma, coping skills, beliefs.
• Social: Relationships, housing, employment, transportation, and—crucially—belonging.

Person-centered care means plans are built around the individual’s goals, strengths, culture, and pace—never one-size-fits-all.

More about SUD here: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder

The Barriers We See Most in Sussex County

• Transportation gaps: Missed appointments and inconsistent follow-through often trace back to rides, routes, and time costs.
• Lack of community: Without a safe, pro-recovery network, motivation and momentum suffer.

Bottom line: Remove those two barriers, and engagement, stability, and healing climb.

Connection Is the Catalyst

Recovery accelerates when people are seen, supported, and included. Marie emphasizes plugging into any community that fits you—because purpose + participation = progress. That might be:

• Recovery and peer-support organizations
• Volunteer groups and civic teams
• Community centers and local nonprofits
• Faith communities
• Neighborhood groups that offer belonging without judgment

We heal and grow in community. Connection isn’t extra; it’s treatment.

Sussex County Partners & Pathways

Atracare collaborates across the local landscape to increase access and continuity of care. Community partners referenced by Marie include:

• 211 and the Bridge Clinic
  
• Attack Addiction
  
• Impact Life (now expanding locally)
• Lasparenza (Georgetown)

These relationships help patients find support beyond the therapy room—from peer groups to practical resources.

Ask your Atracare clinician about referrals and warm handoffs based on your needs and location.

How Atracare Puts This Into Practice

• Biopsychosocial, person-centered planning: Whole-person assessments and tailored goals.
• Barrier solving: Problem-solving around transportation and scheduling; telehealth options where appropriate.
• Community connection: Introductions to local partners and peer support that fit your values and comfort level.
• Skills for everyday life: Communication tools to strengthen relationships and reduce conflict at home and work.

Start Here: A Simple 4-Step Plan

• Tell one trusted person today—a clinician, family member, or peer group—that you’re ready for help.
• Schedule a mental health visit at Atracare to map your biopsychosocial needs and set first goals.
• Choose one community touchpoint (support meeting, volunteer shift, faith group) to attend this week.
• Make it practical: Arrange transportation early; set reminders; ask for a warm handoff to a partner resource.

Services at Atracare Mental Health

• Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use support
• Co-occurring care that integrates mental health and SUD needs
• Family-informed, communication-focused strategies
• Flexible access, including telehealth and timely scheduling

We’re Here—Every Day

Atracare delivers 365-day care that bridges prevention and treatment across Mental Health, Primary Care, Pediatrics, Urgent Care, and Lactation Consulting. Start with mental health, and we’ll connect you to the rest.

Get seen. Get better. Get on your way.

Ready to talk? Book a confidential appointment with Atracare Mental Health.