Dual diagnosis is something that affects so many people. Dual diagnosis refers to a person that has a drug and/or alcohol addiction that also has a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and more. I am a recovering drug and alcohol addict. In 2004 I got help; I went to a year-long treatment center that treated both my addiction and my bipolar disorder, and it completely turned my life around. I am now 12 years sober and proud of it. I’m not sure if I’m still considered dual diagnosis since I’ve been sober. I know the addiction never goes away.
Mental health disorders often lead to individuals abusing drugs and/or alcohol. It’s considered self-medicating. Someone may use drugs and/or alcohol to help make themselves feel better, which it may for a very short period of time. However, the euphoria only lasts a short while before the horrible despair sets in. I did this to myself for years before getting help. The causes of my PTSD are from the times that I was actively in my addiction.
My Side of the Pole 
I do that to myself now even though I know I shouldn’t. When I have really bad days which there seems to be a lot of them, I do find myself drinking just to escape.
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I understand why you do it, but please be careful. It’s especially dangerous to mix meds and alcohol.
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I know…thank you. I really try not to but sometimes I just give in.
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I understand, I’ve been there. AA worked for me. It gave me a huge support system. I hope you find something that works for you.
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I have 11 years of sobriety this month in fact. Congrats on 12 years! It’s hard, but well worth it. I do find myself looking back often and seeing the “fun” of it all thought thinking about the misery of it all. It’s really hard some days.
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Congrats on 11 years sober! That’s awesome. I used to think I was having fun when I was using, but looking back all I see is horrible events. My worst day sober is better than my best day drunk or high.
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Amen! I’ve made some really stupid decisions while drunk or high! I know there has to be a God because He watched out of me and kept me from death far too many times not to exist!
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I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. Check out my blog to see it. Let me know if you participate.
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Thank you so much! I will complete it tomorrow.
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