On June 8, 1999, the Institute of Medicine’s Board on Neuroscience and Behavioral Health convened a workshop on "The Role of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness in Violence," which explored the linkages between violence and these disorders.

The workshop focused on state-of-the-science epidemiology; model treatment programs; public perceptions of substance abuse, mental illness, and violence; and opportunities for future research and developments.

The workshop concluded with a discussion of the role the Institute might play in shaping policies for research, training, treatment, and services. This summary reflects the proceedings of the workshop. The descriptions of the studies and the conclusions are those of the speakers. This workshop summary does not present conclusions, recommendations, or consensus statements.