[bizi]

It is common for those of us who are bipolar also suffer from another substance abuse, like drugs or alcohol or another addiction/affliction.
It could be internet/cell phone, TV, gambling/gaming, sexing etc.
This is called dual diagnosis.
It is really common from what I have heard.
Any thoughts?
bizi

[emgreen]

At the AA meetings I go to, I know of several people who've come out as having bipolar disorder...& I used to go to a group at Community Mental Health that was specifically for folks with MI & substance abuse problems. I think I would probably have been an alcohol/drug abuser (heredity) without having BP, but the fact I started so early & hit it so hard before I was diagnosed leads me to believe I was just self-medicating. You're absolutely right about dual diagnosis when I look at my experiences, bizi! Thanks for pointing that out. I think that's one reason folks with MI have to be so aware of their addictive tendencies.

[splitimage]

Absolutely it's common to have both a mental health diagnosis and a substance abuse problem. Of the people in my rehab, I'd say approximatley half have both. I know I do. I go to a support group specifically for people with both, and it's called Double Recovery. There's also Dual Disorders Annonymous. I like these groups better than AA, as you can talk about your mental health as freely as your addiction. You might want to check to see if either group meets in your city.

splitimage

[UpDownAround]

At DBSA meetings, a significant number of people are in recovery from one addiction or another. Maybe a third of the people at the one I went to and that's just the ones that discussed it openly.

[bizi]

I am BP1 and have issues with
food
internet
alcohol
picking
sigh
bizi

[bizi]

Dual Diagnosis describes a practice that treats people who suffer from both an addiction and a psychiatric disorder.
For example, you can be addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling or a combination of things. And you can have psychiatric disorders that include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder, or panic disorder among others.

from psychology today

[popuri88]

bp2 and I have issues with alcohol, cigarettes and meds

I could add weed to the list but that would be unfair, though I could wish to stay high for ages.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I’m sorry you’re still struggling bizi. But hey so am i. I really hope we can overcome these problems some day, but we all know it’s hard.

((Hugs))

[bizi]

Yes it is a struggle,
thanks for writing to me.
(((((HUGS))))
bizi

[Wild Coyote]

I think of you often, Bizi and hope you are doing well!

Dual Diagnosis is an important topic. It needs more exposure. You have been giving it exposure and I thank you. I had lost a brother several years ago; he was in his 40's. He had a dual diagnosis of BP and alcohol abuse. He'd died from severe alcohol abuse and how it had damaged his body/organs; multi-system organ failure. I've been very sad since losing him, as we were very, very close. It's hard to believe this can happen; yet, it can.

His life was a major struggle for him. We were in touch every single day, no matter what. I did my best to be a good sister and an excellent friend.

Not everyone loses their life to this; yet, some do.

My heart goes out to anyone living with dual diagnosis. It is a tough road, yet not an impossible one.

You are a special person Bizi. You have my support!


WC

[UpDownAround]

Very sorry to hear this WC. My closest friend since childhood is having some liver function tests come back showing decline and he keeps quitting and then the next time I talk to him he hasn't quit yet or did and slipped. He has some physical brain damage that fully healed on the outside but not inside; he has seizures that are controlled by his meds but sometimes he doesn't take them when he has been drinking. I am hopeful that my sobriety "sticks" this time. I would like to think there would be no doubt if I were faced with what he is.

[bizi]

thank you for your support WC!
((((HUGS))))))
bizi