How to treat coexistent mental illness and substance abuse.

Integration of mental illness and substance abuse treatments is important for patients with "dual diagnosis", the coexistence of an emotional ailment and a chemical dependency. Such comorbidity is usually associated with a poor prognosis. Both disorders require appropriate therapy so that remission of psychiatric symptoms and maintenance of sobriety become reachable goals for these individuals. A joint therapeutic approach improves outcome, functional expectation, and community adjustment.