The clinical management of co-morbidity.

The clinical management of co-morbidity of psychiatric illness and substance abuse disorders (SAD) is complex. Each condition requires management in its own right. Either conjoint treatment is required or clinicians in psychiatric services must develop expertise in the management of SAD and clinicians in SAD services must develop expertise in the management of psychiatric illness. To date few serious attempts have been made for the development of integrated services in Australia. Specific clinical issues are highlighted; the principles of intervention are presented and the use of a systematic protocol is suggested.