ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been a growing awareness that persons with severe mental illness have an increased risk for the development of substance abuse or dependence disorders compared to the general population. The high vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse among psychiatric patients presents a myriad of problems to clinicians treating such patients. Patients often deny substance abuse, which may resemble the symptoms of psychiatric disorders, creating diagnostic dilemmas. Furthermore, substance abuse often compromises the protective effects of psychotropic medications, leading to frequent relapses and rehospitalizations. Last, the problem of substance abuse can be frustrating to professionals, who must face the limitations of current treatment options for psychiatric patients with comorbid substance abuse disorders.
