It is known that some types of substance use are associated with health co-morbidities. On average, people with alcohol or drug use have approximately 30% more physical diagnoses per case than non-substance users (Adrian & Barry, 2003). Morbidities and mortalities from alcohol and drug use include Hepatitis B and C, other liver diseases, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other infectious diseases, overdose and poisoning, trauma, suicide and accidents (Brugal et al., 2004; Copeland et al., 2004; Demetriades et al., 2004; Suominen et al., 2004). The odds ratios for having diabetes, heart disease, asthma, skin infections, cancer, respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal disorders were higher in patients with co-occurring substance abuse compared to patients with severe mental illness and no substance abuse diagnosis (Dickey et al., 2002). Other serious consequences of substance use include victimization, trauma, accidents (Brugal et al., 2004; Copeland et al., 2004; Demetriades et al., 2004; Goodman et al., 2001; Suominen et al., 2004), and homelessness (Dixon, 1999).
