Dual Diagnosis in Justice Involved Populations

Introduction

Mental health and substance use disorders are highly prevalent among justice-involved populations, contributing to adverse physical, psychological, social, and legal outcomes. Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (dual diagnosis) often experience stigma, marginalization, and significant health and social disparities, which further complicate their rehabilitation and reintegration. 

Research and  perspectives are much needed  to understand and address issues related to dual diagnosis in justice-involved populations. This issue invites submissions focusing on justice-involved populations across a diverse range of forensic settings, including custodial, psychiatric, and community-based services. This issue aims to highlight recent research, policies, clinical practices, and innovative approaches in the assessment and management of dual diagnosis among justice-involved populations. It invites submissions that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and interventions relevant to justice-involved individuals with dual diagnosis and welcomes lived experience narratives and reflections. 

Topics of Interest

• Epidemiology and prevalence of dual diagnosis in prisons and post-release
• Integrated care models and multidisciplinary approaches to dual diagnosis in a range of forensic settings
• Effective care for people with dual diagnosis during the transition from forensic settings to community integration
• Innovative or novel psychosocial interventions for justice-involved individuals who use drugs
• The perspectives of people with lived experience of dual diagnosis and justice-involvement including experiences with treatment, recovery, and systemic challenges
• Impact of substance use and mental health on outcomes and risk profiles of justice-involved persons

Submission Information

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Author guidelines

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key Deadlines

Closing date for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2025