From fragmentation to integration?
Kadra Abdinasir, David Woodhead and Andy Bell
Mental health problems can drive problem substance use, and vice versa. But people struggling on both fronts routinely face closed doors to care, refused mental health support until they stop using substances.
In collaboration with Professor Dame Carol Black, we convened a roundtable to address the profound inequalities faced by people experiencing both mental ill health and problem substance use. Substance use and mental ill health highlights the key themes and insights shared by our participants, who represent a diverse range of national and local organisations.
The briefing explores several significant barriers faced by people seeking support for mental health and substance use problems. It finds that these co-occurring challenges often lead to stigma, discrimination, and fragmented care, particularly for marginalised groups such as homeless people, people from racialised and LGBTQ+ communities, and people in the criminal justice system. The briefing also highlights the need to address systemic issues in services, including a lack of integrated care, insecure funding and workforce shortages.
Bold change is needed to overcome the inequalities faced by people with mental health and substance use problems. The ten-year health plan is a vital opportunity for the Government to invest in integrated, effective, compassionate support that truly meets people’s needs and enables their recovery.
