Jubba, I have a similar past--drug abuse, Army, long-term alcoholic...then, my mental illness changed after I quit drinking too. I started having hallucinations, increased anxiety and other psychotic symptoms when I quit. But, I don't think getting sober caused my mental illness to shift the way it eventually did for me. Now that I've been sober for many years, I realize that I had a much better chance at overcoming my issues if I was sober.

My hallucinations gradually increased and as time went on I had a harder and harder time staying connected with reality. At first I did not understand it so I felt like I could not predict when I'd have bad spells and get ill. Now, that I've experienced the ebb and flow of symptoms for many years I know what signs to look for to predict when I'm heading into a bad period. That gives me time to prepare for my illness so it puts less pressure on my family and it enables me to get better quicker. Maybe your illness will be like mine and you'll come to understand better. It's as confusing as heck for awhile--scary too. You will regain your personal power over your illness as you figure it out some. Hey, you may turn the corner and start improving at any point in time...don't give up on yourself because I truly believe you will get better. But, in the mean time, hang on tight and ride it out the best you can...PM me if you want to chat.....D