Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to address the needs of people with complex mental health issues who are experiencing drug addiction and substance abuse problems.

The 10-year drug strategy commits to ensuring the better integration of services, including ensuring people’s mental health needs are addressed to reduce harm and support recovery. We are working closely with NHS England to develop a joint action plan to improve treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, as recommended in Dame Carol Black’s independent review of drugs.

On 3 August 2022, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published guidance for local authorities to support them in commissioning effective alcohol and drug treatment and recovery services in their areas. This commissioning quality standard includes a requirement for commissioning partnerships to engage with other services, including mental health and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-quality-standard-alcohol-and-drug-services