The role of dual diagnosis in AOD rehabilitation: a non-abstinence approach to alcohol use
presented by Dr Lea Foo and Elvira Tsecoutanis on 28th April 2026
This presentation aims to improve knowledge about the prevalence of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, their relationship and impact on recovery.
This presentation aims to improve knowledge about the prevalence of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, their relationship and impact on recovery.
Dr Lea Foo and Elvira Tsecoutanis provide tools and strategies to support addressing comorbid mental health conditions in the AOD space.
Watch the presentation
About the presenter
Dr Lea Foo is an Addiction Psychiatrist at Western Health Drug Health Services. She works with people who use drugs (PWUD) and supports other clinicians working with PWUD through the Hamilton Centre Victoria Statewide service for people living with mental illness and substance use or addiction, and in general hospital settings through the Addiction Medicine consultation service. Dr Lea Foo also coordinates the training program for doctors specialising in Addiction Medicine and Addiction Psychiatry at Western Health.
Elvira Tsecoutanis is 49 years old and has been in recovery from a long-term heroin addiction for eight years. Elvira has Bipolar II Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). She spent three decades trying to navigate services for dual diagnosis to access treatment for her addiction and mental health issues. Eight years ago, she found a recovery support group and multidisciplinary team of professionals, all of which she credits with saving her life.
Elvira is currently employed by Western Health in Drug Health Services as a Peer Lead for AOD Peer Workforce.