Experts look to close gap between drug abuse, mental health units

Health experts say forming closer ties between drug and alcohol services and mental health units will play a major role in driving down the number of addicts across the region. The Creating Synergy conference, to be held in Wollongong today, has drawn clinicians and academics nationwide to address the issues as a prelude to Drug Action Week which starts on Monday. David Hedger from the Shoalhaven Youth Drug and Alcohol Service says the relationship between mental health and drug and alcohol abuse must be addressed. "Some clients will go to a drug and alcohol service and then be told it's a mental health issue and then they'll go back into [a] mental health service and be told, no it's a drug and alcohol issue," he said. "What we're trying to do is look at a more holistic approach where drug and alcohol services, mental health services and non-government health services do talk to each other about these issues." .

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