The Department and NHS England have announced they are finalising the Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Action Plan. This initiative aims to address a critical issue that has been highlighted in recent years: the profound overlap between substance use and mental health needs. This new strategy seeks to provide solutions for areas where the current system often falls short.

The growing concern around substance use and mental health

A staggering 72% of people starting drug and alcohol treatment between 2023 and 2024 in England also required mental health support. Even more concerning, approximately 30 to 50% of those with serious mental illnesses also experience co-existing substance misuse. Despite these figures, far too many individuals face obstacles in receiving joined-up care that addresses both aspects of their health.

The recently published Royal College of Psychiatrists report, titled Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, has put a spotlight on this gap in care. It emphasises that existing service structures often fail to ensure cohesive, person-centred treatment, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the support they need.

The aim of the Substance Use Action Plan

The Substance Use Action Plan promises to reshape the way services collaborate and support individuals with co-occurring needs. This initiative builds upon the Commissioning Quality Standard, published in 2022, which already encourages service providers to align their offerings for better outcomes.

The core objectives of the action plan include:

• Promoting partnerships between drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment providers.
• Offering clearer pathways for care so individuals can access services without falling through the cracks.
• Integrating input from subject matter experts, including clinicians, academics, service providers, and people with lived experience.

The hope is that through this cohesive approach, support services can operate more effectively and adapt to the complexities of co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.

A step forward in tackling substance use in England

This initiative is being positioned as a significant step forward in addressing substance use in England. By fostering collaboration and ensuring service providers work in harmony, the government and NHS England aim to bridge systemic gaps.

It is clear that implementing the Substance Use Action Plan will require a collective effort. Service providers across England must not only align their strategies but also maintain a focus on long-term prevention and improvement.

This plan has the potential to be a pivotal moment in tackling one of the nation’s pressing health complexities. Aligning mental health and substance use services could pave the way for a more inclusive, effective, and compassionate healthcare system.

Source: They Work For You