Why you should read this article:

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To read about the challenges experienced by people with co-occurring mental health issues, alcohol and drug use in accessing appropriate services

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To enhance your assessment skills when working with people with co-occurring mental health issues, alcohol and drug use

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To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

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To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

It is common for people with co-occurring mental health issues, alcohol and drug use to ‘fall between’ substance use and mental health services, leading to suboptimal health outcomes. There has been an acknowledgement in UK governments’ policies that more integrated services for this group are required. This article identifies why such people can be missed by healthcare services and the barriers that maintain this longstanding issue. The article discusses the need for effective assessment and intervention and how approaches such as motivational interviewing can provide support across services. The author also emphasises the benefits of joint working across agencies and the complexities involved in caring for this group of people.