Introduction: Why a Special Focus on Mental Health and Substance Use?

Mental health and substance use have a long history of recurring cycles of reform across the globe. These reforms are often driven more by shifts in economic conditions, social ideologies, political climates and technological advancements than by design from within the fractionated mental health sector. Progress has been hindered by difficulty in fully conceptualizing the complex, multi-faceted nature of these issues, as well as by stigma, insufficient research and a lack of information. Additionally, there has been a dangerous complacency stemming from the misconception that these conditions are personal and/or moral failings.