In the view of many practitioners and researchers, co-occurrence of mental illness and substance use disorders in individuals is so common as to be the norm rather than the exception.  In fact, it is estimated that 75 percent of people with mental illness within the criminal justice system meet criteria for drug and/or alcohol abuse or dependence; some cite figures indicating that up to 90 percent of those behind bars with either mental illness or substance abuse disorders have co-occurring disorders. ^[1]     As a result, increased attention has been given to identification of the most effective models for the provision of services to the "dually diagnosed" population.  For the past 15 years, extensive efforts have been made to develop integrated models of care that bring together mental health and substance abuse treatment. Recent evidence from more than a dozen studies shows that comprehensive integrated efforts help persons with dual disorders reduce substance use and sustain mental health recovery.  Integrated approaches are also associated with a reduction in hospital utilization, psychiatric symptomatology, and other problematic negative outcomes, including rearrest. ^[2]    

Recommendations:

a.

Employ an integrated approach to treatment of persons with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

b.

Recognize that relapse is a common feature in the experience of many individuals with co-occurring disorders.

c.

Integrate mental illness and substance abuse treatment policy, funding, and regulation at the federal, state, and agency levels in order to achieve desired clinical outcomes.