Position statement on the need for improved training for treatment of patients with combined substance use and other psychiatric disorders.

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of patients with combined psychiatric and substance use disorders is an important aspect of modern psychiatry, and psychiatrists should be strongly encouraged to become involved in this area. These efforts should be supported by training and educational programs involving a wide range of institutions, including local treatment facilities, hospital centers, universities, and government. Restructuring or adding improvements to existing psychiatric treatment facilities and maintaining good working relationships with existing substance abuse treatment programs are desirable goals for improving care of dually diagnosed patients.