§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people who presented to treatment services for drugs and alcohol problems in the last 12 months had mental health problems. [123935]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe information requested is not available centrally. However, the importance of providing services for drug and alcohol misusers is well recognised. Research suggests that there is extensive co-occurrence of other psychiatric disorders and substance misuse problems.
§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are(a) in place and (b) planned to identify the extent to which those with drugs or alcohol problems also suffer mental health problems. [123936]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Department of Health publication, "Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Guide" (2002), sets out policy and good practice in the provision of mental health services for people with severe mental health problems who are also experiencing difficulties with any drug, including alcohol.
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA), in partnership with the Department, has published "Models of Care", which sets out a national framework for the commissioning of an integrated drug treatment system for adult drug misusers in England. "Models of Care" provides detailed guidance on the provision of services for psychiatric co-morbidity (dual diagnosis).
A national programme, entitled Opening Doors to Drug Treatment, is also being delivered in partnership by the NTA and the National Institute for Mental Health in England.