Organization

Statement

American Society of Addiction Medicine [1]

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain-circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [2]

“Up to 56 percent of people with the most serious mental illnesses have a co-occurring substance use disorder within their lifetime”

“(.) research shows that consumers in Integrated Treatment programs were more successful than consumers in non-integrated programs”

Council of European Union [3]

“(--) recognise the need for cross-service partnerships between healthcare, social care providers and patient/carers groups”

Australian Government [4]

“Addressing these co-occurring problems is essential in order to reduce the harms associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Australian alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment services should therefore work closely with general health, mental health, social welfare and other relevant services to provide a holistic approach to treatment”

Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies [5]

“people using alcohol and other drugs often have multiple and complex needs. There can be a high prevalence of co-occurring mental and physical health conditions as well as social and welfare needs”