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Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
The purpose of the Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders is to run and support various projects and measures with the aim of enhancing health, quality of life and functional level for persons with concurrent substance abuse and mental health disorders by using relevant knowledge.
The main objective of the Advisory Unit is to ensure the development and spreading of expertise nationally within the field of substance abuse and mental health problems.
We will assist professionals within specialized healthcare services and community healthcare services with knowledge and methods for performing evidence-based practice. Furthermore, the unit is to impart knowledge and expertise and other relevant information to and from clients and relatives. We will also contribute to reducing stigma toward individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders. The Advisory Unit is not to be a referral center for patient treatment, as this is will be the responsibility of the individual healthcare agencies and community healthcare services.
The main objectives for the Advisory Unit are:
- Ensure spreading of knowledge and expertise
- Contribute to the development of expertise
- Participate in research and establish a national research network
- Contribute to relevant training and teaching
- Establish and run professional networks
- Keep track of treatment and follow-up services and impart treatment results
Background
The Advisory Unit was formally established July 1st 2012 and is a unit consisting of employees from the former Regional Centre for Dual Diagnosis and the program for concurrent substance use disorders and mental illness at the Centre for Education and Research in the Substance Abuse Field for Eastern Norway (KoRus-Øst).
The unit has 20 employees and is organized within the Mental Health Department at Sykehuset Innlandet HF. We are located at Kjonerud Competency Center outside the city of Hamar. The Advisory Unit receives its mandate and tasks from the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services.
