People in addiction forced to lie to access mental health services, former addict says

Em Murphy, who is now a peer educator, told the Oireachtas mental health sub-committee of her own experience trying to access support. Picture: Oireachtas TV

People in addiction are forced to lie to access much-needed mental health services due to the lack of dual diagnosis support for those suffering both mental health and addiction issues, an Oireachtas sub-committee has heard.

Many people suffering complex mental health concerns only have access to mental health care if drug- and alcohol-free, which is a particular problem when people rely on substance misuse to cope with mental health problems, the Oireachtas mental health sub-committee heard.