Dual Diagnosis Support Group

Hi. I am new here. I have Bipolar Disorder and in recovery for drugs/alcohol.

Is there a chat room for this group?

I am in a slump (depression) right now, have been for a couple of weeks.

I quit smoking 70 days ago(nicotine)

All day I've been thinking about smoking and about using just so I can feel better.

I have been emotionally stable for 2 1/2 yrs. I have also been clean for 2 1/2 yrs. So I know better than to think this. I am having trouble with headaches and body aches...the thought came in that a drug would take care of that and I would feel better emotionally too.

I know this is not the answer.

I am seeing my mental health provider tonight (medicine manager). I just hope she doesn't screw me all up. Almost afraid to go.

Just feel like I need to talk to someone but I am home alone and only have 2 friends anyway.

Krista

hi, I just joined. I have the same dual diagnosis as you. I was looking for a support group and then I saw your posting. I am in a slump right now as well. I haven't worked in over two weeks, I don't want to leave the house, and my husband thinks just cause I go to the pdoc I should be better by now. They have upped my meds twice.

They say that giving up smoking is actually harder than alcohol, so I've been told. I give you a lot of credit. Your body is probably sick also from the withdrawal.

I have been so cold and achy do you think that's from being depressed? I know I am not sick sick.

I don't have many friends anymore either. I lost them all when I gave up drinking and drugs. Amazing how that happens.

Welcome, let me know yow your appointment went with your med manager.

hello an welcolme..i also am bi polar an addict among other things..great u got that much clean time..your an insperation.keep your head up.hope your apointment goes alright. keep posting.

Hello. I am grateful you are here. I found Dual Dagnosis through the DDA of Oregon program. I really wish this type of forum had been around when I first got sober. I believe that much of my recovery would have looked much different. At the same time I realize that nothing happens by mistake. So the fact that you cared enough about yourself to find this site says you are invested in your recovery. Congrats and Keep Coming Back. You help me stay focused on my priorities. Have a great week.

hi Krista. WELCOME. IT SEEMS THE ONLY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MY STORY AND YOURS IS THAT I HAVE BEEN CLEAN OF NARCOTICS FOR 8YRS AND OFF ALCOHOL FOR 7YRS and YOU ARE BLESSED WITH ONE MORE FREIND THAN I.

IT'S NOT THE ABSTENACE THAT DEMORALIZES ME.....IT IS THE NUMD ALONESS THAT RENDERS ME EITHER SUICIDAL OR HOMICIDAL. I HAVE TRIED BELONGING BUT FOUND I WAS AS MISUNDERSTOOD BY AA AND NA MEMBERS AS I WAS BY THE "OUTSIDERS" I LIVED IN LONDON FOR 20 INDEPENDANT YEARS. IT WAS LIBERATING...INTOXICATING....FUN...FOLLOWED BY FIVE YEARS OF NARCOTICS ABUSE. I DONT REMEBER MUCH OF THOSE YEARS.....BUT AT LEAST I COULD MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, GOOD OR DAD. I HAVE BEEN INCREDIBALY MISERABLE HERE AND SEE NO WAY OUT BUT TO DISAPEARE AND REAPEAR SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE. I"V DONE RE-HAB (A SLY MONEY MAKING MACHINE)...PSYCHIATRIST, PSYCHOLOGISTS...ETC.I GOT CLEAN ON MY OWN AND THROUGH PRAYER. I FOLLOW NO RELIGION OR BELIEF SYSTEM.

I WRITE LETTERS TO GOD...I PLEAD WITH HIM...I ARGUE...I ASK FOR GUIDANCE...I ASK HIM TO HELP ME CLEAN MY BEDROOM...MY CAR. AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW THE SIMPLEST TASK CAN OVERWHELM US TO A POINT OF MANIA. MOST OF THE TIME I FEEL DETACHED FROM THE "ME" I KNOW I AM. I HATE MY SELF-DEFEATING THOUGHTS....THEY HOME THE DARKNESS, DELUSIONS, HALLUCINATIONS...MY ONLY WAY TO CLARITY IS TO WRITE ANOTHER LETTER. TRY IT MY FRIEND...YOU DONT EVEN HAVE TO EXPECT A REPLY...IT WILL COME ANYWAY...IN A SUBTLE WAY...AND ONLY PRAYER WILL FREE ME OF THIS CONSTANT RETURN TO SADNESS, PARANOIA, FEAR, GUILT AND ANGER.... I HAVE SO MUCH I CAN TELL YOU. I HAVE TALKED VERY LITTLE IN THE LAST 7YRS. A MEANS OF PROTECTING MYSELF AGAINST THE JUDGEMENTS, INSENSITIVITY, IGNORANCE AND ARROGANCE OF OTHERS. OFTEN I WOUNDER WHAT IS TO BECOME OF ME..AND SO I PRAY...OVER TO YOU

Hi, Krista, welcome. I'm glad you searched for someone to reach out to instead of picking up a drug or drink or cigarette. It is hard to quit all of those and hard to stay quit. I have done it all, also. I hope you will keep coming onto this site and keep posting and let us get to know you. Once again, welcome. And if you need anything you can PM me.