Concurrent Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Treatment

People with concurrent disorders (CDs; i.e., mental illness and substance use disorders) are at high risk for a number of adverse outcomes if they do not receive appropriate treatment. Yet despite wide availability of evidence-based guidelines and easy-to-access clinical resources for this population, implementation has lagged. Integrated treatment involves targeting both the substance use and the mental illness at the same time in a systematic way and is a recommended practice for CDs. However, very little true integration of addiction and mental health services has occurred in Canada. This review outlines the main best-practice guidelines for working with people with CDs and describes some of the barriers and facilitators to integration. An example of successful integrated treatment is presented, with suggestions for how psychologists can play a key role in this important work.