This report finds that services in Ireland are ill-equipped to provide treatment to people experiencing both mental health difficulties and drug or alcohol problems.

Conducted by independent researchers on behalf of Mental Health Reform, the study draws on interviews with 12 stakeholders working in the fields of mental health, addiction and homelessness in Ireland. The study was informed by an online roundtable discussion on the concept of dual diagnosis, which was attended by 29 stakeholders from a range of organisations in the sector.

This research indicates that there are significant gaps in our services which can hinder the recovery of people with a dual diagnosis. These include poor collaboration between services, a lack of training for health and social care professionals, and limited access to planned and continued care.