Dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is the UK term for having both an addiction and a mental-health condition — most commonly depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar or a personality disorder. Around 70% of people in UK addiction treatment meet criteria for at least one co-occurring condition.
Key signs
- Existing diagnosis of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, BPD or ADHD
- Using alcohol or drugs to sleep, calm anxiety or lift mood
- NHS mental-health services declining you because of substance use
- Addiction services declining you because mental health isn't stable
- Symptoms that don't improve after 4+ weeks of abstinence
The link to addiction
Untreated mental-health conditions are the biggest single driver of relapse. Any rehab worth going to will screen for dual diagnosis on day one and treat both together — not sequentially.
UK treatment pathway
Look for UK rehabs with in-house psychiatrists (not just visiting) and a clear dual-diagnosis programme. Community mental-health teams and addiction services are supposed to work together under NHS 'no wrong door' policy, but in practice most people need a single integrated provider.
FAQs
Will the NHS treat my addiction and mental health together?
In theory yes — NHS guidance is 'no wrong door', meaning either service should hold you. In practice, many people get bounced between them, which is one of the strongest reasons to consider a private dual-diagnosis rehab that handles both under one roof.
Does private rehab really treat mental health properly?
The good ones do. Look for a resident psychiatrist (weekly, not once a stay), individual therapy multiple times a week, and a written aftercare plan that names your mental-health team. Some 'rehabs' only handle the addiction — worth asking directly before you book.
Can I stay on my antidepressants during rehab?
Yes, almost always. Any decent UK rehab will continue your prescribed psychiatric medication. Stopping SSRIs, mood stabilisers or ADHD medication on admission is a red flag.
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