A briefing for commissioners of mental health, drug and alcohol services
Local authorities across England are now responsible for commissioning substance misuse services while NHS clinical commissioning groups have taken responsibility for community mental health services.
Until now, many people with overlapping mental health and substance use problems (sometimes called ‘dual diagnosis’) have received poorly integrated support. Many find themselves limited to one service or other, or batted between them. The outcomes in either case are poor, often at high cost to individuals, taxpayers and communities alike.
This briefing urges commissioners to tackle the poorly integrated support received by those with overlapping need and argues that by focusing on what matters most to people’s lives – a home, a job, family and friends – services can enable people with multiple needs to build better lives on their own terms.
Audience: CCGs, Health and Wellbeing Boards.
