This isn't something I've struggled with. But I saw lots of it in my professional life. As I've discussed many times in this space, addiction and mental illness go together. In a big way. Many people live with a dual-diagnosis. I know that my audience is aware enough to know that. But here is a little reminder: If you are taking more of a medication than you are supposed to, you may have a problem. Addicts and alcoholics have this amazing ability to justify, ignore, minimize.....or even admit without the least intention of changing the behavior. I totally believe that addiction is a disease. And it does get worse over time. And people do die. They really do. Now, for many mentally ill people, dying doesn't seem like a bad idea. I get that. But it isn't a pleasant or easy death. You are likely to lose everything that is dear to you before it kills you. Recovery from a combination of mental illness and addiction isn't easy. But it is possible.
I've seen the horror of dying from chemical dependency and mental illness professionally and personally. Many people lost before their time. Seems like such a waste to me. When I worked in treatment centers, we would occasionally hear about a death after a patient left treatment. And each time I heard about it, my heart would ache. People who were fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. People who meant something to another human being. And were forever lost because of disease for which there is treatment. If you are struggling with a dual-diagnosis, remember that help is out there. Sometimes it is complex to find the right treatment, but it can be done. And there are recovery groups that focus on dual-diagnosis. They may be the best approach for people who are struggling with both problems.
I've had the honor of becoming acquainted with many people who have taken on the challenge of recovery with a dual-diagnosis. I'm awed and inspired every day at watching the courage with which they approach their struggle. It truly is a one day at a time challenge....sometimes even one moment at a time. But with honesty and support, it can be done. I support you in finding your path into recovery. And I'm certainly willing to talk with anyone having a problem finding what they need to get better. The most important thing to remember is that with a dual-diagnosis, both issues have to be addressed before you start to feel relief. If I can be of assistance, feel free to reach out. Maybe I can point you in a direction. Let's talk!
I've seen the horror of dying from chemical dependency and mental illness professionally and personally. Many people lost before their time. Seems like such a waste to me. When I worked in treatment centers, we would occasionally hear about a death after a patient left treatment. And each time I heard about it, my heart would ache. People who were fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. People who meant something to another human being. And were forever lost because of disease for which there is treatment. If you are struggling with a dual-diagnosis, remember that help is out there. Sometimes it is complex to find the right treatment, but it can be done. And there are recovery groups that focus on dual-diagnosis. They may be the best approach for people who are struggling with both problems.
I've had the honor of becoming acquainted with many people who have taken on the challenge of recovery with a dual-diagnosis. I'm awed and inspired every day at watching the courage with which they approach their struggle. It truly is a one day at a time challenge....sometimes even one moment at a time. But with honesty and support, it can be done. I support you in finding your path into recovery. And I'm certainly willing to talk with anyone having a problem finding what they need to get better. The most important thing to remember is that with a dual-diagnosis, both issues have to be addressed before you start to feel relief. If I can be of assistance, feel free to reach out. Maybe I can point you in a direction. Let's talk!
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