Working with Dual Diagnosis

Taking a unique perspective, this book argues for a psychosocial approach to dual diagnosis and draws on this to highlight practice skills with specific groups including individuals, families and communities. The inclusion of case studies, reflection points and reflective exercises throughout help to aid learning and provide practice insight.

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In the UK it is estimated that a third of patients in mental health services have a substance abuse problem, and that half of patients in drug and alcohol services have a mental health problem. Part of Palgrave's Foundations of Mental Health series, this book explores the intertwined issues of substance use and mental health as a social phenomenon and offers a critical, informative guide to understanding dual diagnosis.

Written by authors with extensive experience within mental health and drug treatment services, Working with Dual Diagnosis explores areas that are key to understanding the relationship between the two, including:
- Models for understanding substance use, mental health and the correlation of complex social and psychological factors
- Treatment processes for working with individuals, groups and families and within a community setting
- The historical social, political, economic and legislative context of mental health and substance use
- Practice implications for dual diagnosis, including how practitioners can work with and promote better treatment, after care and support for those experiencing dual diagnosis issues.

Enriched with reflective exercises, case studies and key points, this book will inform all work related to dual diagnosis populations within health, social and criminal justice service, and is an essential text for social work, nursing, occupational therapy and probation students.