My husband with anxiety and depression takes four different medications prescribed by his doctor - an anti-depressant, a mood stablizer etc etc etc, and also smokes weed and heroin. The drug abuse is a massive issue for me - cost, his behaviour etc. He says he has to stop and has recently opened up to me about them... I'm feeling a bit uneasy about how stopping the drug abuse is going to happen though as he's not keen to use any kind of service to get help... says 'I got myself into this mess and I'll get myself out of it, MY way.' What does that mean I wonder... anyone else in the same predicament with mental illness AND drug abuse?
mental illness and drug abuse
September 13, 2011
November 15, 2011
#2
Dear Elephant
I hear you.
My older brother has what I believe a dual diagnosis. He has been addicted to drugs for more than 15 years. He has been home less until he moved in with me 2 years ago. I've lived with him off and on for short periods of time throughout the last 10 years or so. Each time, I had to "kick him out" or just simply abandon him as I could not deal with his addiction. I've decided not to kick him out this time.....unless we get to the bottom of this problem, I guess. We've been through a number of home detoxes - it is hell when an addict tries cold turkey.....but some how he goes back to using drugs. So much effort has gone down the drain. He now goes through quiet periods right to aggressive and even paranoid episodes. In short, it's a roller coaster ride. The tricky part is getting a diagnosis from a professional as I don't feel that he is aware that he has a problem. He is now 48 and is getting weaker and frail physically, but mentally, there is no more growth. His childishness and utter shelfishness is very hard to take some times. I don't know what the future will bring us but I'm trying to find out. I'll be attending my first support group meeting for familys living with mental illness tonight. Take heart Elephant, as I believe there are more families out there experiencing similar problems. For me, I just didn't know I needed help in the past. I do now.
January 31, 2012
#3
I have a 25 year old drug addicted daughter who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The only reason my daughter has such a diagnosis is because I sat before a meeting of 6 mental health professionals & threatened exposure to the media of their lack of investment in seeing my daughter or others like her in getting well. One thing I have come to understand is that no one will genuinely help until she either hurts someone, steals or damages something or some other illegal activity with resulting legal action taken. I have never felt so alone in all my life - even those who say they wish to help withdraw - I believe that fighting for my child is too controversial or difficult for some. I love my daughter & it hurts everytime I think about all that has been lost for her & her beautiful daughter. Hope is not something I have any more because it just feels like someone is squeezing my heart too hard & so many times I have felt that I cannot go on. But I do - my daughter needs me & I want her to get better & live a life fulfilled not wasted.
So the roller coaster ride continues & there doesn't seem to be a stopping station, I just hang on - barely with all I have.
November 19, 2011
#4
Well he is wrong if he thinks he doesn't deserve help, there's a reason why these services exist. It it would be that easy to get rid of drugs there wouldn't be any rehab centers to begin with. Your husband made the most important step, he admitted he has a drinking problem. Here's this holistic drug treatment resource, you might find the information here helpful.
December 2, 2011
#5
I watch my sister struggle daily because of my brother in law's dual diagnosis. They have struggled financially for years. Recently he caused a horrible car accident. The accident reconstruction report was definitely not in his favor. He may serve some jail time. They have little kids. I know he has a disease but the drug abuse is hard for me to handle.
January 10, 2012
#6
Elephant I hope I'm not too late, but I have an excellent guide to help you get your husband the help he needs. This guide helped me through a very similar situation. http://www.recoveryconnection.org/intervention-guide/
Please read it and it will help you better understand what he is going through and how you can help him.
God bless,
Angela
February 15, 2012
#7
I wanted to compose a word to appreciate you for some of the wonderful instructions you are giving out here. My time intensive internet search has at the end of the day been paid with reasonable concept to talk about with my companions. I would admit that many of us website visitors actually are extremely endowed to be in a notable website with so many awesome professionals with valuable tips and hints. I feel very happy to have come across your web page and look forward to tons of more exciting minutes reading here. Thanks a lot once more for all the details.
Post new comment
So... None else dealing with a dual-diagnosis (both mental illness and drug addiction) then...