Dual Diagnosis: Why Mental Health Matters for Recovery from Substance Use Disorder

Just as there is a strong connection between physical and mental health, mental wellness is a key component in the addiction recovery process.

Although dual-diagnosis treatment is a relatively new treatment approach in addiction treatment, substance use and dependence is very often driven by an underlying mental health issues.

I specialize in dual diagnosis treatment– which is the treatment of emotion, mood, and anxiety issues in people with co-occurring addiction disorders. In addition to board certification in psychiatry and rigorous psychotherapy training, I am board certified in addiction medicine and have years of clinical experience working in substance use disorder treatment as well.

The core emotional difficulties that people with addiction face are increased emotional incentive for drug-taking (cravings), impaired self control (emotional impulsivity and compulsivity), difficulty regulating emotions (negative mood experiences), and increased reactivity to stress.

Mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation training can be integrated in psychotherapy in order to improve management of these core emotional difficulties. Treatment needs to include biological management of addiction when helpful, including symptomatic management of early and continued withdrawal symptoms, and agents proven to reduce drug use and relapse. It is best to avoid addictive substances in treatment. This approach to be the most promising one in the treatment of dual diagnosis patients.

At Peace Tree Mental Health, we use evidence-based mental health and substance use addiction treatment for successful recovery of co-occurring disorders. To find out more, visit our services page

To find out more about the dual diagnosis approach, visit NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Health) in California and SAMHSA.