What is dual diagnosis? The link between addiction and mental health 

April 25, 2025

9:00 am

medicines on nightstand

Simply put, dual diagnosis means that someone is tackling addiction while also experiencing a mental health condition. It is possible to get treatment for both, at the same time, with the realisation that treatment for the mental health condition is on management of that condition rather than curative treatment.  

When someone has a mental health condition, addiction can make the symptoms more severe. It is not uncommon for people with underlying anxiety states, and or a depressive illness to use alcohol to self-medicate or overuse medication prescribed to control their anxiety. Sadly, this creates a vicious circle as alcohol, for example, is a mood depressant substance and, as a short acting substance, will heighten anxiety when the level of alcohol in the system is reduced.  

Here at find me a rehab, we have expert addictions clinicians who can provide 24-hour addiction help as well as a free rehab referral service. 

What are the statistics for dual diagnosis? 

Recent research suggests that up to half of those who experience addiction will also have a mental health condition. For example, if you look at the United States, this translates to 17 million adults in the year 2020. 

What causes it? What are the symptoms?  

As they are separate conditions they have separate symptoms. However, there can be some crossover. Someone experiencing a mental health condition may experience significant mood changes as well as appearing confused. They might find it difficult to concentrate and find it difficult to keep up with work tasks. They might try and avoid family gatherings and might also experience suicidal ideas. With an active addiction, it is common for people to disengage from family members and friends while also exhibiting strange behaviours and a quick change in their behaviour. Often, they will feel that they cannot function without the substance they are dependent on while, at the same time, developing a tolerance for the drug they are using.  

What comes first?  

Good question and impossible to answer. Just because someone uses drugs/alcohol doesn’t mean they will go on to develop a mental health disorder. However, continuing to use alcohol and drugs can make a mental health condition worse and may increase the risk of developing a mental illness.  

What causes it?  

Again, this is not clear. It can be a genetic or environmental: or a combination of the two. Some people, who have a family history of mental illness/substance dependency are predisposed to a higher chance of developing a problem. A person’s environment can also be a strong influencing factor: Put the two together and there is a very likely combination of factors. Someone with a mental health condition may self-medicate with alcohol as well as prescription and street drugs: This can lead to active addiction.  

How is it diagnosed and treated?  

Dual diagnosis is not a condition itself: but a combination of the two. Some symptoms overlap so screening tools are used to assist in the diagnostic process. One of the first elements of treatment is, if clinically necessary, a detox will be provided which will be carefully managed. This can go a long way to alleviating some of the symptoms of a mental health condition. The next treatment goal is to help the person achieve abstinence from their substance dependency using group therapy, individual therapy and, where appropriate, family therapy, mindfulness and other evidence-based treatments.  

Treatment for a mental health condition, within a rehab setting, is about learning about the condition, how to minimise symptoms and understand triggers and dealing with flashpoints. This can also include group and individual therapy, family therapy and mindfulness etc.  

For a free rehab referral service, call and speak to one of our addictions clinicians here at find me a rehab. We provide 24-hour addiction help.  

Here at find me a rehab, we have expert addictions clinicians who can provide 24-hour addiction help as well as a free rehab referral service. 

Will I be given medication?  

For those dependent on certain substances, such as alcohol, a medicated detox is essential. In some circumstances, someone may be offered medication to assist with some of the symptoms of a mental health condition while they recover from a substance dependency. This may be because the person was self-medicating.  

What about aftercare?  

Continuing to get support, after leaving a rehab centre, is just as important as the residential treatment itself. All centres offer a minimum of 12 months support, which will normally include a weekly support group (in person or virtually) as well as telephone support. Some centres offer continuing individual therapy sessions for an additional fee.  

How can I support someone who I think is in active addiction and experiencing a mental health condition? 

The most important thing to understand is that, like the proverb: You cannot take a horse to water and make it drink. Treatment, in the UK, is only available on a voluntary basis. Trying to force someone to get treatment by coercion is illegal. There is nothing wrong with giving information to a loved one, showing them websites, leaflets, information on support groups etc. Most importantly: Let the person know you are there for them and want to help them make positive choices but, at the same time, remembering you cannot make the decision for them and that it is their decision to make.  

Our expert addictions clinicians are here to provide 24-hour addiction help which includes a free rehab referral service. Call in to find me a rehab or enquire online.