From famine to feast as dual diagnosis features in new UK government policy and strategy

The purpose of this paper is to outline the latest policy announcements by the UK Government and how they relate to people who have co-occurring mental health and substance use problems.

A rapid review was undertaken of policy, strategy and guidance.

All three publications are united by their ambition to improve the care and treatment for people who have developed problems with substances and their mental health. The challenge will be to realise these ambitions in an environment where financial and human resources are contracting.

It is important for clinicians, commissioners of treatment and researchers to be kept informed of policy development and how these initiatives will affect people with mental health and substance use problems.