ADDRESSING mental health problems alongside alcohol and drug dependency could drastically improve recovery, help people better reintegrate into society, and reduce unnecessary deaths, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of West London (UWL) studied the experiences of members of the UK's first Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) group, which was piloted in Ealing for people with co-existing mental health and substance use disorders.

Not only did they find greater success rates compared to treating issues in isolation, but that the dual-approach support was instrumental in maintaining sobriety and reducing psychiatric symptoms including suicidal intent - a major factor in helping to reduce the risk of avoidable deaths.

Findings could now help tackle the problems stemming from comorbidity, brining into question methods, which prevent access to mental health support until alcohol or drug issues are under control.

Dr Raffaella Milani, Senior Lecturer in Addiction Studies at UWL, who led the study said: "There is growing awareness of the overlap between mental disorders, substance misuse and behavioural addiction such as gambling.

"Yet individuals with dual diagnosis still experience barriers to access services and some of the worst health and social outcomes.

"But we cannot continue to treat conditions in isolation.

"This study showed that what worked for DDA attendees was the compassionate, welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental approach of the group.

"The support received helped them find hope, develop coping strategies.

"As a result, some of the participants went back to education or found employment for the first time in their lives."