Bipolar Support Group

Dual Diagnosed Bipolar--Don't be an ostrich!

Hey Y'all!

If someone hasn't told you today that they love you, then let me be the first!

The Google search term "bipolar support" brings up 2,150,000 web pages. The search term "dual diagnosed support" brings up 1,870,000 web pages. That's 4,020,000 web pages devoted to mood affective diseases!

The following links explore the more-than-coincidental connection between bipolar disease and the diseases of addiction and alcoholism. The evidence seems compelling, suggesting, if nothing else, that substance abuse (Yes, that includes using prescriptions in ways not prescribed!) and so-called self-medication (Yes, that may include the over use of pain relievers!) may be closer to the root of bipolar disease than we may choose to believe.

At any rate, you will need a bowl of popcorn and at least a six pack to get through the following:

http://www.bipolarlikeme.com/learn/2007/the-causes-of- bipolar-disorder-manic-depression/

http://www.todaymd.com/topics/drug-abuse/991

http://www.namifairfield.org/page23.html

http://www.cnsspectrums.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx? articleid=1120

http://www.brightsurf.com/news/headlines/31475/ Screening_for_behavioral_health_first_step_to_getting_treatm ent.html

http://www.womanlinks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=351&Itemid=36

The reason I call attention to dual diagnosis [again!] is that, for the past few weeks, every thread of bipolar discussion has seemed to include references to drugs, alcohol, or substance abuse. Of course, if you merely want to see what an ostrich sees, stick your head in the sand--NOW!

MD Junction has established a dual diagnosis forum which has so far attracted some very encouraging visits from a few of us who have accepted and dealt effectively with our bipolar disease and addictions. I mention these few valiant warriors, because positive experience with recovery is such a good anchor for others who seek and who have just begun their journey into recovery.

If we are to accept and deal with this issue, we must first step into the light and accept the possibility that we or our loved ones, when we abuse drugs or alcohol, have added a complicated and life-threatening wild card to recovery. Dual diagnosis is not treated the same as a diagnosis of bipolar disease only, and, don't kid yourself, the dual diagnosed individual, when in the advanced or chronic stages, has a near-zero chance for recovery. At the very least, the advanced stages present frequent relapse and recurring nightmares of pain, broken relationships, and critical loss of occupational skills.

The popular phrase which describes the prognosis for the untreated illnesses is "Jail, insanity, or death!"

The fact, however, that I and others like me are on a healthy course to recovery should give you all hope. The popular phrase which opens the door to that hope and to the promise of a happy life in recovery is "Honesty, willingness, and open-mindedness!"

It takes work! And I guarantee you that, when the pain becomes great enough, you will become willing to do the work..........or die!

I invite you all to join in on the dual diagnosed forum.

Don't be an ostrich!

Regards,

Jim

Post edited by: JR1, at: 10/16/2007 12:07

Way Cool!!

I have also enjoyed the the Dual diagnosis sight.

I also have been to other sights have very few people with mental illness who also have very much sober time or who aren't still using drugs or alcahol with their meds.

It has also helped a lot to have hit bottom in my alcaholism first before I hit bottom in my bipolar.My understanding of my addictive behavior has helped me to be careful with my behavior around my behavior with my meds. It has also helped me beable to make better choices in what I need in a Pdoc, and has my work with a sponsor, and reatment has given me a head start in the recovery from the bipolar. I could weed out what were the symptoms of bipolar and what was alcaholism (the ism).

Because, I had experience seeing patterns of my behavior in my alcaholic behavior, and how it had effected my life. I was willing to take a similar inventory about my bipolar and how it showed its ugly head through my life.

Anyway. I also have a few friends who have tried to stop drinking and had a few years clean, who stopped taking there meds , and would end up in hospitals, and prison, and both. It is heart breaking.

Anyway theres some words of truth from a recovering Ostrich. lol! Thanks for letting me share I think < I'll take another 24!!>

I ran across this thread in reading one on the bi polar forums and I have to disagree with what some of what jim said. I was diagnosed at a young age, and in now was I addicted or even thinging about drugs or alcohol. Even when I started seeking treatment in high school, I wasn't drinking or taking any of the drugs that my peers were. The only time that I have done drugs or drank excessively I was in a mania cycle. So I don't feel we can say that bipolar is caused by alcohol or drugg addiction. Just my opinion.

Hi,

I don't think that's what he's trying to say. I think he's trying to warn those who are addicted to alcahol and drugs and are in denial about the issue, that it might not work out if they get treated for their bipolar and continue to self medicate. I think he knows one does not cause the other.

I do think they have similar symptoms and can be confused. But, they are two separate illnesses and should be treated that way, and not everyone who is bipolar and has used drugs, and alcahol are alcaholics. But, If you get treated for bipolar and can't stop drinking and using drugs addictively than you might need other help. He's just saying that some people who might have a problem inspite of getting help with their bipolar may still be in denial about it. So, thats my understanding of it. I don't think its directed at anyone who is not alcaholic, and doesn't normally have a problem.No one can really tell anyone their alcaholic anyway. Its an inner decision that the person themselves has to make. I hope this helps, Gypsy

Thank you gypsy. I did take that post the wrong way. Was a little manic and read through real fast and saw what I wanted to see. But have now re read and understand. My mother is dual diagnosed,as is defined on this site, with prescription pill addiction and bipolar. She just started getting help and admitting she was an addict after 27 yrs of being an addict. If what jim states is true she would be a advanced case with little to no help of recovery. How can I make this not be so? i told her if she abuses pills again she will be ccut off from her grandkids. Idon't want this to happen.

Hi, there,

I am dual diagnosed and deal with a lot of people who want to get sober, and have gotten sober after years of going back out. I have had friends who have tried to quit, and can't seem to stay sober. I did the same thing with my sobriety and my bipolar. It can be heart braking for the families, and friends and can cause skepticism. I think you are doing the right thing by setting boudaries wit your mom. I have had to stay away from my dad because he is still in his addiction and in his illness around his bipolar. He can be pretty abusive when he is in his disease. I have tried to get him to get help for years but, I don't think he will. I have had to let go and deal with my issues around him in therapy. But, I am glad your mom is at least trying to get help. Sometimes it takes people saying no to helpthem get help. God bless, Gypsy

Hey Gypsy,

I know it is and older post but I was wondering if you were still having a hard time about taking bipolar meds and being sober.

This is what some wise old timers have told me...in the Big Book it says that this book does not hold all the answers and that if we have problems that require help from other professionals that is what we are to do. Now I can't tell you exactly where in the Big Book cause I am awful with page numbers. All I know is that if I don't take the meds the doctors tell me to take I get sick. And if I don't do what the Big Book tells me to do or what my sponsor "suggests" I get sick. And from one alcoholic to another I am just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Take care and keep the faith!!

Christi

Hi,Newage,

I don't have a problem with meds, anymore, because, I have had people show me in the Big book, where it says a few times, that we are not doctors, and we might need to go see professionals for help. I also have had people in AA tell me that I shouldn't take meds, and even though, I had a good program, I ended up suicidal.

I since have found people in AA that have been diagnosed from 2 yrs to 35 yrs in recovery, who supported me in getting help. I have also had a couple friends stop taking their meds, and go back out, and end up in the hospital, or prison.

So, that is what helped me feel grateful for the meds, and getting the help, and support, I got.

I also was able to have a better perspective what the meds are for. If, I was still in my disease, I would use them for the wrong reason. If you are getting crap from other people in AA for using meds to keep you sane, than, I wouldn't listen to them. They have no idea what bipolar is and how dangerous it could be.

There are dual diagnosis groups all over the place. I don't know if you have any in your area, but, maybe you could contact NAMI, to find out.

Bipolar is a separate disease with similar symptoms as alcaholism. So it can be kind of confusing.

But, I agree that if we don't deal with both we are off balance. So, anyway, this is how ,I feel about it now. It gets better after a while, after we get used to having it, and being on meds, just like when we get sober, and are getting used to being sober.

Nice to hear from you again, God bless, Gypsy

Hi, Christie, Carmen here Alcoholic/addict who just happens to have bipolar too along with a host of other problems, gypsy is right we need the meds to help us get our heads straight and not taking them can take us right back out there and worse off than before. If someone in AA tells you, you are not sober because you are taking your bp meds, tell them where they can stick your pill bottles sideways. And if they don't want to listen to you, give them my email and I will be happy to fill them in for you..lol, and not quite as politely as I have put it here. People like that can and have caused the death of folks. I have no use for them.

Alcoholism and Addiction is like diabetes and cancer, it is a disease, and screws up your life just like the other two do. But today with treatment and support, we can regain some footing we lost while out there. Meds aren't magic pills they won't make your life wonderful, but they at least take some of the grease off the slide of life.

Carmen

Thank you, Jim. I'm so grateful for this site and the ability to share and network.

You are very encouraging and I'm looking for that addiction so I can be Dual Diagnosed, too. I was people addicted, but that was resolved in counseling for codependency and learning the truth about myself. I have to say that's my only know addiction at this time. I'll as my Father about it and see if He can show me more things I need to know. You know, He does say 'ask and it shall be given unto thee.' So that's what we have to do even if we don't really want to hear it. The truth surely will set us free. Free to be people -not just problem people!

God Bless!

msbimbo