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Drugs and mental health

Monday 22 June, 2009

Many people who have problems with alcohol and other drugs may also experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or psychosis.

The term "dual diagnosis" is used when a person has both an alcohol or other drug problem and a mental illness. It is also known by a range of other terms, including "comorbidity", "comorbid disorders" and "concurrent disorders".

Research indicates that 29 per cent of people living with a mental health disorder have a coexisting substance use disorder, or comorbid condition (2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results).

Read more about drugs and mental health at the links below.