Written question asked by Paul Stinchcombe (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 July 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 10 July 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To 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.

Answer: Mr. Stinchcombe: To 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 Johnson: The 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.

Secondary information