Mental health and substance misuse services should be delivered together

Services for people suffering from a mental illness and
substance misuse problems should be delivered within mental health
services, according to a new dual diagnosis good practice guide
published by the department of health.

The guidance says that in order for mainstreaming substance
misuse services to work, the relevant agencies must develop focused
definitions of dual diagnosis, all staff must be trained and
equipped to work with dual diagnosis, and all clients with severe
mental health problems and substance misuse problems must be
subject to the care programme approach, and have a full risk
assessment. 

See www.doh.gov.uk/mentalhealth/index.htm