Current research indicates that integrating mental health and substance abuse treatments is more effective than
offering services in parallel systems. Integrated treatments, generally delivered by multidisciplinary teams, emphasize
outreach, comprehensiveness, and a stage-wise approach to treatment and recovery. Overcoming the barriers to the implementation of integrated treatments in routine health care settings is an immediate challenge. Specific psychosocial and pharmacological interventions also need further development and testing, particularly for patients who do not respond to basic integrated interventions.