Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 34, Issue 1 , Pages 3-13, January 2008

Policy and practice implications of epidemiological surveys on co-occurring mental and substance use disorders

  • H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., C.A.S., F.A.S.A.M.

      Affiliations

    • Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857. Tel.: +1 240 276 1660; fax: +1 240 276 1670.
    • ,
  • A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed.

      Affiliations

    • Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD
    • ,
  • Charlene E. Le Fauve, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Co-Occurring and Homeless Activities Branch, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD
    • ,
  • Elizabeth I. Lopez, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Office of Program, Policy, and Budget, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD

Received 8 August 2006; received in revised form 5 December 2006; accepted 6 December 2006. published online 18 June 2007.

Abstract 

This article describes factors that influence national policy and practice, with particular focus on the implications of epidemiological survey research. Examples of areas of concern to policymakers include treatment-seeking patterns, access to care at points of service in public health and social service systems, evidence-based practices, workforce development, and the complexities of reimbursement. In responding to data on systemic barriers to care, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has sought to promote a no wrong door strategy to address the needs of persons with co-occurring disorders (CODs) involving their mental health and substance use. Examples of SAMHSA programs and policies addressing CODs discussed in this article include targeted partnerships with the states, mechanisms to enhance system infrastructure, technical assistance, and initiatives with special populations.

Keywords: Co-occurring disorders, SAMHSA, Epidemiology, NSDUH, Policy

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 The views, opinions, and content of this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, and policies of the US Department of Health and Human Services or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

PII: S0740-5472(07)00092-X

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2006.12.032

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 34, Issue 1 , Pages 3-13, January 2008

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