DUAL DIAGNOSIS IN A STATE PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY - RISK-FACTORS, CORRELATES, AND PHENOMENOLOGY OF USE

Patients admitted to a state psychiatric facility were interviewed to ascertain the co-occurrence of mental illness and chemical abuse (MI/C A), lifetime substance use, childhood experiences, current living cond itions, and use of mental health services. Of the sample, 49% currentl y had MI/CA, and 20% more had used multiple substances. MI/CA patients were more likely to have been exposed to multiple early risk factors for substance use, including familial substance abuse, mental illness, and physical abuse. They were also younger, male, and experienced mor e adult homelessness, legal trouble, and family conflict. These result s demonstrate the continuing need to develop MI/CA programs.