We are moving again. In just a few days our lives will become a complete upheaval and we will move out of this home and into a new one. My husband has convinced himself this move is necessary to help us all.
I am not so sure that is the case. We move WAY, WAY, WAY too much and each time we move, we end up with a new house and the same old problems. I recognize that these problems are internal, within us all, but he doesn't.
I have noticed with him lately that the more he drinks, the more he seems to become dissatisfied with his life, and he pinpoints that on to his home. I am so very tired today of all this CHAOS! It seems so simple to stop this insanity, he could take his meds and they may help him feel more stable and level. But he won't, he says he will, he says he does, but often he doesn't.
The upside for me of moving is the home is much bigger than what we are living in now. The yard is huge and surrounded by woods. It will give the children so much more room to run and play and enjoy life. Though I am not excited about this move, I think it's time to for me to accept it and make the most of it.
Pathway's of Life
There is always more than one and neither is ever clear.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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.
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.