A foundation for dual diagnosis practice: wisdom, tools and resources

This chapter outlines a dual diagnosis approach and provides some examples based on practice wisdom from the field over many decades. The significance of dual diagnosis has had growing recognition over the past twenty years, both internationally and within Australia. In the late 1990s the National Drug Strategy and National Mental Health Strategy developed the National Comorbidity Project. Across Australia and New Zealand, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, an open door to working with comorbidities was not a reality. The state of Victoria in Australia has shown considerable leadership in this area. In many services funded by the Victorian Department of Health, dual diagnosis policy is stated as core business. The myriad and complex service systems that consumers with a dual diagnosis could look to for assistance are difficult to navigate, for health and welfare workers as well as individuals with issues.