Pathway's of Life

Pathway's of Life
There is always more than one and neither is ever clear.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day


Memorial Day provides us the opportunity to sit down and be thankful for so many things.

The ability to remember those that served our country and protected our peace and our freedom are a great way to celebrate the day.

But take today not just to remember those that have served the country, but all those that have in some way paved the way for our lives to be better today than they were decades ago. Remember the pioneers of medicine, politics, parenting and war. Remember the people that have changed your lives...........from grandparents to teachers, counselors to friends. It doesn't matter who made the difference, take a minute to remember them and be thankful for them and if they are here to thank, call them or send an email, tell them how much you appreciate them and how much you value the difference in they made in your life. And if there isn't a person that you can think to remember..........remember the troops that are currently fighting overseas to protect the country that we all love and believe in.

Whether you believe in this war or not believe in those that are risking their lives everyday for they believe in America and remember them today for the hard work they are doing wherever they are!

To the veterans in my life......I thank you!!
Morris Vine Johnson Army
James Edward Curtis USMC
Derek Jay Childs Army
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What is dual diagnosis?

Dual Diagnosis is a medical term used to categorize a person that suffers from both a mental disorder or illness and a dependency such as alcohol or drug abuse.

It is common to find that a person who suffers from a mental disorder such as bipolar, also has a problem with drinking or drugs or vice-versa. Both disorders can lead to emotional, financial and relationship problems on their own, combing the two can be twice as difficult.

Most people who suffer from a dual diagnosis are often diagnosed with either the mental illness or a substance abuse problem first and the other is discovered later.

In the case of bipolar disorder and alcoholism, these two can often go hand in hand, complicating the lives and success of recovery by nature of the diseases. Not only do the two feed off of each other, they can impair the stability of an individual.

For example, alcohol abuse can make if very difficult to medically treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The alcohol is a self-medication that allows the individual to feel temporary relief from effects of bipolar disorder. This fix is only temporary and because of that, the individual needs the constant medication that alcohol offers, which leads to abuse. It is in this way that someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who has no prior history of a drinking problem can develop one.

Though a dual diagnosis can feel like a life sentence for the individual diagnosed and the ones who live with and love them, it doesn’t have to be. There is help available for both individuals and families. It is important though to seek treatment that can address both the issues. Treating just the bipolar disorder or just the alcohol may help temporarily, but won’t be sustaining long-term unless both or treated together.