Substance use and misuse in psychiatric wards

Abstract

Substance use has reached endemic proportions. Inevitably, the world of psychiatric wards must reflect issues arising in our society. Given that the populations of psychiatric wards are disproportionately younger, male and socially disadvantaged (quite apart from the impact of patients' problems that prompt admission), one might expect that drug misuse in them would match, if not outstrip, the general trend. Recognition of its impact is a key issue for patients and staff alike.