The diagnosis and management of patients with combined psychiatric and
substance use disorders is an important aspect of modern psychiatry, and
psychiatrists should be strongly encouraged to become involved in this
area. These efforts should be supported by training and educational
programs involving a wide range of institutions, including local treatment
facilities, hospital centers, universities, and government. Restructuring
or adding improvements to existing psychiatric treatment facilities and
maintaining good working relationships with existing substance abuse
treatment programs are desirable goals for improving care of dually
diagnosed patients.Abstract Teaser