The 10 most important debates surrounding dual diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose

It is more than 30 years since attention turned to the issue of the relationship between substance use and mental health. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the progress to date that has been made in advancing the knowledge and understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has drawn on the available literature, identifying key contributions from a variety of fields which have helped to shape the understanding of the issues in relation to dual diagnosis. The ten themes are not presented in order of importance.

Findings

Achievements have been made in attracting the attention of clinicians, researchers, policy makers and commissioners to this issue. Overall the author is left with a clearer understanding of what treatments are not effective and the challenges of determining what is.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to instigate a discussion about where the collective knowledge stands on this important and challenging area of practice and research.

Citation

Hamilton, I. (2014), "The 10 most important debates surrounding dual diagnosis", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-05-2014-0013