ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the historical policy context, from which the mental health–substance use policy has arisen. The history of mental health–substance use, at least in policy terms, is a short one with the major policies directly addressing this issue appearing in the 2000s. It is perhaps a mirror image of the familiar clinical situation, with substance use and mental health services each standing back rather unsure of how to address the individual with mental health–substance use problems that has also been evident in the approach to developing dedicated policy. The chapter explains the substance use policy before looking at mental health policy. Then it traces the emergence of mental health–substance use as an issue within mental health policy before the arrival of policy directly addressing the issue of mental health–substance use in its own right. Economies of scale, and idea that grouping large numbers together, would be most effective way of containing or even curing individuals with mental health problems.
