Last Updated:

July 29th, 2025

Mental Health and Addiction | Support Options

What are mental health issues?

Mental health issues refer to conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels and behaves. They can range from temporary struggles, like overwhelming stress, to long-term disorders that require ongoing management. Everyone experiences ups and downs but when emotions, thoughts or behaviours start interfering with daily life, work or relationships, it may be a sign of a mental health disorder.

Disorders like anxiety, depression and PTSD are well-known but others, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, can also significantly impact someone’s well-being. These conditions aren’t simply “feeling sad” or “being worried”; they involve deeper disruptions in mood, thought patterns or perception of reality. Some mental health issues develop due to life experiences, while others stem from brain chemistry or genetics.

Just like physical health, mental health needs care and attention. Whether someone is dealing with temporary distress or a long-term condition, support and treatment can help improve quality of life.

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Struggling with an addiction? If you are ready to seek help, reach out to us today, and a member of our compassionate team will help you find the best option for starting your recovery journey.

What mental health issues are associated with addiction?

Any mental health issue can co-occur with addiction, as substance use is often a way to cope with emotional distress, intrusive thoughts or overwhelming feelings. However, some conditions have a particularly strong connection to addiction, either due to their symptoms or the way substances affect brain chemistry.

Below, we explore some of the most prevalent pairings and why they are so closely linked.

Addiction & Suicide

Addiction and suicide are tragically linked, with substance abuse increasing impulsivity and hopelessness. Withdrawal can worsen emotional distress, while addiction isolates individuals from support. Addressing both issues together is crucial for preventing crisis situations and fostering long-term recovery.

Addiction & Suicide

ADHD & Addiction

People with ADHD may use substances to self-medicate impulsivity or inattention. However, addiction worsens focus and emotional regulation, making symptoms harder to manage. Proper treatment must address both conditions simultaneously to prevent a cycle of dependency and worsening ADHD struggles.

ADHD & Addiction

Anger Management & Addiction

Unmanaged anger can drive substance use as an emotional release but addiction increases aggression and emotional instability. This creates a destructive cycle where substances fuel anger issues. Treatment helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms instead of relying on drugs or alcohol.

Anger Management & Addiction

Anxiety & Addiction

People with anxiety often use substances to self-soothe but drugs and alcohol can increase long-term anxiety. Addiction then worsens withdrawal-induced panic, making it difficult to quit. Treating both conditions together is essential for breaking the cycle and regaining emotional balance.

Anxiety & Addiction

Autism & Addiction

Autistic individuals may turn to substances to manage social anxiety or sensory overload. However, addiction disrupts emotional regulation and deepens social struggles. Specialised treatment tailored to neurodiverse needs is essential to address both substance dependence and autism-related challenges effectively.

Autism & Addiction

BDD & Addiction

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) causes obsessive self-criticism, leading some to use substances to escape distress. However, addiction amplifies obsessive thoughts and worsens self-image. Treating both conditions together is vital for breaking dependency and fostering a healthier sense of self-worth.

BDD & Addiction

Bipolar & Addiction

Bipolar disorder’s extreme mood swings can be a factor in driving substance use. Unfortunately, addiction intensifies emotional instability. Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial to manage both conditions and prevent further disruptions in daily life.

Bipolar & Addiction

Codependency & Addiction

Codependency involves prioritising another’s needs over one’s own, leading to enabling addiction or using substances to cope. Breaking free requires addressing unhealthy relationship patterns alongside addiction treatment, helping individuals establish healthier emotional boundaries and regain personal well-being.

Codependency & Addiction

Depression & Addiction

Depression often leads to substance use as an escape but addiction deepens depressive symptoms. The cycle of withdrawal, shame and worsening mental health makes quitting difficult. Treating both conditions simultaneously is essential for long-term emotional stability and sustainable recovery.

Depression & Addiction

Grief & Addiction

Grief can feel overwhelming, leading some to use substances for relief. However, addiction prevents emotional healing, prolonging distress. Professional support helps individuals process loss in healthier ways, addressing grief without turning to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms.

Grief & Addiction

Insomnia & Addiction

Insomnia leads many to self-medicate with alcohol, sedatives or stimulants, creating a cycle of dependency. Unfortunately, substance use disrupts sleep patterns, worsening long-term restlessness. Addressing both insomnia and addiction is essential for restoring healthy sleep and overall mental well-being.

Insomnia & Addiction

OCD & Addiction

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) causes intrusive thoughts and compulsions, leading some to use substances for relief. However, addiction worsens anxiety and compulsions over time. Integrated treatment helps individuals manage OCD symptoms without relying on drugs or alcohol.

OCD & Addiction

Personality Disorder & Addiction

Personality disorders often involve emotional instability, impulsivity and difficulty maintaining relationships, increasing addiction risk. Substances may temporarily soothe distress but worsen destructive behaviours. Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial for addressing both conditions and improving emotional regulation.

Personality Disorder & Addiction

PTSD & Addiction

PTSD sufferers often self-medicate with substances to escape flashbacks and anxiety. However, addiction prevents trauma processing and worsens symptoms. Integrated treatment is necessary to heal past trauma and reduce reliance on drugs or alcohol.

PTSD & Addiction

Schizophrenia & Addiction

People with schizophrenia may use substances to manage hallucinations or paranoia but addiction worsens psychotic symptoms. Substance use also increases medication non-compliance, making professional treatment crucial for stabilising both conditions.

Schizophrenia & Addiction

Self-Harm & Addiction

Self-harm and addiction often co-exist, as both serve as coping mechanisms for emotional distress. However, substance use increases impulsivity and deepens emotional pain. Treating both conditions together fosters healthier ways of managing overwhelming emotions.

Self-Harm & Addiction

Sexual Anorexia

Sexual anorexia involves intense fear or avoidance of intimacy, sometimes leading to substance use as a way to suppress desires. Addiction can further isolate individuals, making therapy essential to address both intimacy issues and substance dependence.

Sexual Anorexia

Stress & Addiction

Stress is a major trigger for substance use, as drugs and alcohol provide temporary relief. However, chronic stress fuels addiction, leading to long-term health risks. Learning healthy stress management strategies is essential for breaking free from substance dependence.

Stress & Addiction

How are mental health issues and addictions treated at rehab?

Most drug addiction rehab programmes focus primarily on treating substance dependence rather than offering dedicated mental health treatment. However, many of the therapeutic approaches used in rehab can be incredibly beneficial for managing mental health issues alongside addiction.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognise and change negative thought patterns that contribute to both addiction and mental distress.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) builds emotional regulation skills, making it especially helpful for those struggling with intense emotions or impulsive behaviours.
Group therapy provides a supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others facing similar struggles, reducing feelings of isolation.
Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga and art therapy, offer alternative ways to manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

While drug rehab may not directly treat all mental health disorders, its therapies can provide valuable tools for coping with both addiction and underlying mental health challenges, leading to a more balanced recovery.

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What are the next steps?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, Addiction Helper is here to guide you. We can help you find services tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards recovery by calling us today for confidential advice and support. You are not alone.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between mental health and addiction?

Mental health and addiction are closely linked, often influencing each other. Poor mental health can lead to substance use, while addiction can worsen or trigger mental health disorders.

Can addiction cause mental health disorders?

Addiction can contribute to mental health disorders by altering brain chemistry, increasing stress and worsening existing conditions. Long-term substance use may lead to anxiety, depression or other psychiatric issues.

What is dual diagnosis treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. It combines therapy, medication and support to help individuals manage both conditions effectively.