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The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health

The relationship between mental health disorders and addiction is complex and often heartbreaking. People suffering from mental health conditions are at increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUDs) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). What’s worse, individuals with addiction problems are more likely to struggle with psychiatric disorders. It’s critical to have access to comprehensive addiction treatment to peel back the layers of all conditions and find a path to healing. 

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Clinically referred to as a comorbid or dual diagnosis, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that “according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of adults aged 18 and over in the U.S. who have another mental disorder also have a substance use disorder.”

Mental health conditions often serve as risk factors for the development of substance use disorders. For example, individuals with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders often turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication to alleviate psychological distress. Research indicates that people with mood disorders are particularly prone to using substances like alcohol, cannabis, or opiates to temporarily relieve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety. However, over time, substance use may escalate into addiction, worsening the underlying mental health condition.

Additionally, the NIDA explains that many of the same risk factors exist between addiction and mental health issues including, but not limited to: 

  • Inherited characteristics. Between 40%-60% of mental, emotional, and addiction disorders share genetic markers. 
  • Adverse childhood experiences. “One analysis of existing studies estimated that over 30% of adults with substance use disorder had childhood trauma including emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or physical neglect,” the agency states.
  • Trauma and stress. Whether someone is a veteran or first responder experiencing PTSD, dealing with complicated grief after the loss of a loved one, or in high-stress circumstances, these and other scenarios disrupt the foundation of mental health. 

Conversely, substance use disorders can also worsen or trigger mental health issues. Chronic drug or alcohol use disrupts brain chemistry, particularly neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. These disruptions contribute to the development of mood disorders, anxiety, and psychosis. “For example, evidence suggests that cocaine use may worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder and contribute to the progression of this illness,” according to the NIDA. The agency also notes that research suggests “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with the same brain changes as those associated with drug cravings. This may explain why patients with both substance use disorders and ADHD often report greater drug cravings.”

Why Integrated Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Is Critical

Effective treatment for people with a dual diagnosis of AUD, SUD, and mental illness requires an integrated, multidimensional plan. Comprehensive, individualized treatment focuses on addressing both the mental health disorder and the addiction simultaneously, rather than treating them separately. This method improves outcomes, reduces relapse rates, and enhances the overall quality of life for people with co-occurring disorders.

At the Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire, we have a detailed trauma-informed treatment approach that includes: 

  • Solution-focused assessments
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Medication education
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
  • Stress management
  • Mindfulness and emotion regulation
  • Medication-assisted treatment 
  • Early recovery skills
  • Relapse prevention
  • Family-focused services

We also introduce our residents to different life skills techniques and 12-Step and SMART recovery support groups.

This integrated treatment approach for addiction and mental health treatment is far more effective than traditional models. Studies show that individuals with co-occurring disorders who receive unified care are more likely to remain in treatment, experience symptom reduction, and have improved social functioning. 

Basically, we want you or a loved one to have the confidence that once you come here, you’ll heal here. 

Find the Care You Need at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire 

Substance-induced mental health conditions are often difficult to distinguish from primary psychiatric disorders, making accurate diagnosis challenging. However, that doesn’t mean someone shouldn’t try to get the care they deserve. Our primary goal at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment. We have board-certified therapists, addiction counselors, and medical practitioners ready to provide personalized recommendations based on an individual’s history, complete health picture, and recovery goals.

We have three locations to serve you: 

  • The Antrim House in Antrim, a detoxification and residential treatment facility for men and women.
  • Recovery Mountain in Tilton, a residence for Veterans and first responders as part of outpatient programming.
  • The Lakes Addiction Treatment Center in Laconia, offers inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs for men and women.


If it’s time to focus on whole-person health and recovery, contact a member of our admissions team with your questions so we can help.