Substance Misuse Assessment in Mental Health Services: The Importance of Professional Curiosity

Abstract

Co-morbidity of mental health and substance misuse problems (or Diagnosis) is highly prevalent in mental health and drug treatment services. The parallel approach, where the two conditions are treated at the same time in separate services, is the current accepted response to Dual Diagnosis. Joint working and continuity of care cannot be achieved without a consistent quality drug and alcohol assessment in mental health services. This editorial argues that that professional curiosity plays an important role in substance misuse assessment, especially when is carried out outside specialist drug and alcohol services.