ABSTRACT
The individual using substances presenting to the mental health professional can often encounter annoyance and suspicion. The person experiencing mental health problems presenting to the substance use services can encounter hostility and hopelessness. The difficulties encountered by people who experience mental health– substance use problems are not new. There is a drive towards meeting the needs of the individual experiencing mental health– substance use problems, pooling expertise from both sides. In mental health– substance use, there is a need to initiate, and maintain, education and training. One consultant commented that to work together with mental health– substance use problems would be too costly. The consultant believed it would create ‘too much work’ consequently, there is a long way to go — but a driving force to succeed exists. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
