The clinical response to substance use problems in forensic mental health services

In recent years, a number of studies have linked mental health problems, substance use and offending. These findings have been reflected in government directives aimed at targeting substance use problems within mental health services. The current study surveyed the proportion of patients with substance use problems in 87 forensic patients, and the service response by Lambeth Forensic Services as measured by care planning and substance use interventions. While 76% of patients had historical substance use problems and 35% of patients were currently using drugs or alcohol, only in patients whose substance use problems had been documented in their care plan approach (CPA) or addressed therapeutically was the percentage significantly lower.