February 21, 2010

Which Came First?

Kev told me today that he feels most comfortable hanging out with other "dual diagnosis" people because they understand each other better.  They may have quirks, or odd reasonsing or fears and they just accept those things in each other without question.  Other friends may say "but WHY?"  when he has an odd reaction to something (i.e. not wanting to go certain places).  Dual diagnosis friends will just nod with understanding and say "no prob, bro".

I get it.  Its sad, but I get it.

What came first?  The addiction or the mental illness?  Is my son doing better than some recovering addicts because he's being treated for the core issue behind his drug use?  Will he go back to drugs if he stops his meds?  Will he ever live without irrational fears, phobias and anxiety?

Some studies in the US have reported that more than 50% of the people with any mental disorder also suffer from substance dependence compared to 6% of the general population; and the odds of exhibiting substance dependence are 4.5 times higher for people with any mental disorder than for people without mental disorder. Clearly, there is a substantial overlap in these disorders.


Peace, Hope and Love,
Barbara

10 comments:

justLacey said...

I think you can come off meds and learn to live with some mental issues. I had terrible panic attacks when I was about Keven's age. They started when I moved out of my parents house and in with a roommate that was always out of town. I didn't want to have to take meds to control them and the meds didn't work all that great anyway (this was 28 years ago). I chose not to use them. There is so much more info available on them via the internet now and ways to help control them naturally. I think once K's brain chemistry gets straightened out and he has been sober for a few years, it could be an option. If my mind still quirky? Hell yes, but I live with it and eventually all things pass in time.

TechnoBabe said...

It is so selfish of me to say that I am glad I did not know my hubby during the 33 years he was using and drinking. I did know others who were but I am so glad it wasn't him. Just dealing with the bipolar is a workout sometimes. And of course I brought my own baggage so we have to work through that too. Sheesh. Speaking as someone living with a bipolar on meds (he very definitely must be on meds) I can understand the dual diagnosis friends easier to be around. Good that he sees that too. I read through some of your posts and I am glad to find your blog.

Kathy M. said...

My daughter is dual diagnosis (diagnoses) also. It's hard to separate where one stops and the other begins. But for me, for the way I am with my daughter, Al-Anon principles apply no matter what the issue.

Love the photo!

Tall Kay said...

I heard a speaker talk about the symptoms of early sobriety. He said it is almost impossible to tell the difference between real mental illness and withdrawals symptoms in the first 6 months of sobriety. It takes our brains some time to heal and get healthy again.

It's wonderful that K has found something that works for him, but maybe he won't always need them. The longer he stays sober, the clearer the answer to your question will be. Excellent post!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Seems like he is getting it / or has gotten it and that is wonderful Barbara

lbrave said...

I am in recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism and am also struggle with OCD and anxiety. For me, the issues are inextricably linked. I know that I began using and drinking as a means of coping with my anxiety and obsessive tendencies, but I also know that others who have these mental problems do not use drugs and drink, so I can't blame my substance abuse on these psychological problems. For me, treatment in a dual-diagnosis facility gave me my life back. Like your son, I felt safe in that community and understood by its members. Today I keep my recovery from both addiction and OCD strong through a combination of 12-step meetings and working with a therapist (I also take medication). I would recommend the program I went through to any woman who needs dual-diagnosis treatment. http://www.safeharborhouse.com

Heather's Mom said...

I used to have panic attacks, and it was so wonderful when I married my husband and was "safe" when they happened. I had one in a restaurant one time, and instead of getting mad or making me feel low, my husband had the food boxed, paid the bill and found me outside in the parking lot.
I can so see why K would want to hang out with people he feels safe with and who accept/understand him for who he is but isn't that what we all do anyway? K's finding a group he feels comfortable with should help staying sober that much easier for him. He seems to be doing really well :)
Love & huggs :)

Barbara said...

Thank you to EACH AND EVERY COMMENT! I get so much from seeing all the different ways of viewing things and input from a variety of people who have dealt with these things from all angles!

I do hope that Keven can get off the meds when the time is right...But I will worry about that WAY LATER, right now he's doing good and one day a time I hope that keeps up.

We are fortunate that he has an excellent psychiatrist that is also a therapist who closely monitors him.

I am going to try to catch up on blogs now!!!

Syd said...

I don't know whether any of us who are in recovery of one form or another will be able to "graduate". I don't think that they give diplomas in this. I will just keep going because I know that the old feelings can resurface.

Elizabeth Ann said...

It makes perfect sense.

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