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Every aspect of health is important, and mental health is a factor that is often overlooked because it can have limited or no obvious physical symptoms. Mental health is also a significant public health challenge, particularly in Scotland. Public Health Scotland has announced that “improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population is a national priority because this is recognised as having a positive effect on many different aspects of society”.

When mental health becomes difficult to manage, there can be a knock-on effect on alcohol use, drug use, relationships, work, sleep and physical health. Some people use substances to cope with anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma or depression, while others notice that substance use makes existing symptoms worse.

Recovery Scotland provides guidance for people comparing mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis treatment routes in Scotland. A suitable plan should consider psychological wellbeing, substance use, withdrawal risk, medication, therapy, aftercare and whether more structured support may be needed.

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Recovery Scotland can help you prepare questions about addiction and mental health treatment routes before speaking with providers.

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What should you ask mental health treatment providers?

When comparing mental health and addiction support, ask how assessment works, who delivers therapy, whether substance use is reviewed alongside mental health, how medication decisions are handled, what family support is available and what aftercare is included.

Some people may need GP or NHS mental health support, while others may consider private therapy, outpatient addiction support, residential treatment or dual diagnosis treatment. The right route depends on symptoms, risk, substance use, support at home and clinical assessment.

What mental health treatments may be considered?

Mental health treatment can include talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed support, medication reviews, wellbeing planning, relapse prevention and family support. Where alcohol or drug use is also present, treatment planning should consider both issues together.

Recovery Scotland provides guidance for people comparing support for anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, PTSD and addiction-related mental health needs. Useful internal guides include anxiety treatment, stress treatment, depression treatment and alcohol addiction.

Which mental health problems can overlap with addiction?

Addiction can overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, bipolar disorder, grief, low self-esteem and other mental health needs. Sometimes substance use is a way of coping with symptoms; in other cases, alcohol or drugs can worsen mental health over time.

If both issues are present, ask providers how they assess dual diagnosis needs, whether detox or medication review is required, what therapies are available and how support continues after treatment. For confidential guidance on comparing routes, contact Recovery Scotland.

What Happens After Treatment?

Once you have completed your dual diagnosis treatment plan with Nova Recovery, all of our clients have the opportunity to attend our support group every week for 12 months following the completion of your recovery programme at our private rehab centre. We also provide you with a dedicated CBT support line and Zoom groups for 12 months following discharge to aid with your recovery journey.

John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: June 17, 2026

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

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