Dual Diagnosis Support Group

My name is Katerina Gaki, I come from Greece and I've had a dual diagnosis of bipolar 1 and drug abuse (cannabis). I have had a terrible time the last 5 years,having been involuntarily hospitalized 6 times, mostly because my parents think this is a way for me to stop smoking marijuana.

I've been hospitalized since Oct.3 and am going home on Thursday. Hopefully I will stay off cannabis, but it's quite hard because my boy-friend,who I live with, is a regular smoker and thinks he doesn;t have to quit,because he's not bipolar and it's harmless for him...

I'm currently stabilized on lithium,Abilify and SEroquel XR 400 and circadin for sleep.

Big hug to you all from Athens!

Hope we can talk in the Forums

Katerina

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, Is there another place you can go other to a boyfriends that doesn't obviously see the tempation it causes you which requires you to be hospitalized. I am happy you are stabilized. Are there halfway houses or oxford houses as they are called here where you could go? I have friends that have chosen that path and it has worked for them. AA.......you can go there for weed. A meeting a day may help or more then that if you need it and get a sponser asap. I am so glad you are here. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing......xxooSara

Going somewhere else to live...I don't think so,because we live in a small town called Rafina. It's by the sea,30 km from Athens and close to nature.I couldn't live in Athens where there are some halfway houses as you mentioned. I get really stressed out in big cities.

I'm determined to stay clean this time though,cuz my medication is working and I'm in a really good,productive mood, I can concentrate,I'm not stressed and I get a really good and relaxing sleep. Those were the reasons I would smoke cannabis, most of all I couldn't sleep.

I hope my boy-friend will understand and try to keep off,after my example.He's really helping and understanding with my problems and hopefully he will make this a chance for him to quit as well.(after all we smoked together and now he won't be tempted by me either). I have my own house in Rafina as well, so I could move there if things get out of hand.Thanks for writing and I'm very glad to be here as well!I'll keep you informed about what happens.

Katerina xoxoxox

Hi, Katerina, welcome to the group. I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you're feeling stable and are going to try to stay clean and sober. If you need anything just let one of us know. Welcome.

Thank you rmm164! I'm glad to be here as well and know you are there for me. Remember, I'm here for you too,so we'll keep in touch