Dual Diagnosis and Recovery

Medications do not impair your judgment. They do not give you a false sense of courage. They do not cause you to crave another pill soon after you've taken the first. They are not mixed or "cut" with other dangerous chemicals. They have been tested and found to be safe and effective.

The goal of medication treatment is to help you become stable and healthy. Medications manage your symptoms, rather than masking them. They help you take control and work toward positive changes in your life. Your doctor also monitors your medications, and if you have any problems, s/he can help you decide what changes need to be made.

Some drug and alcohol recovery groups may believe that you can't be clean and sober if you take medications prescribed by a doctor. This belief is just plain wrong. Medication for your mood disorder is no different than medication for another illness such as asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes. If your recovery group challenges your use of medication, it is probably best for you to become part of another group that understands the concept of dual diagnosis. The good news is there are many different recovery groups to choose from. Don't give up hope. If you keep looking, you will find other people who are dually diagnosed and receive treatment for both illnesses.

How do DBSA support groups help?
It is helpful to be part of a group of people who have had similar experiences and can understand and offer support. You may feel worried or ashamed at first. Most people in DBSA groups struggled with these feelings too -- they can relate. Keep going to the meetings, it will get easier. You may also meet people who can help you start a special group for people who are dually diagnosed.

DBSA has a grassroots network of more than 1,000 support groups. Gold Coast DBSA runs 11 suport groups in Broward and Dade Counties. Click here to find a list of all of our support groups. When combined with treatment, DBSA support groups:

• Can help you understand and stick with your treatment plan and avoid hospitalization.
• Provide a place for mutual acceptance, understanding and self-discovery.
• Help you understand that a mood disorder does not define who you are.
• Give you the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of those who have "been there."

What are some signs of problem drinking/using?

• Cravings -- You have strong urges or needs to drink or use.
• Loss of control -- You are unable to stop drinking or using once you have begun. You get drunk or high even when you don't want or intend to. Even after alcohol and drugs cause major problems, you continue drinking or using.
• Physical dependence -- You have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness or anxiety when you stop drinking or using. You might take a drink or a drug as soon as you wake up.
• Tolerance -- You need more alcohol or drugs to get the same effect.
• Physical illnesses can be caused or worsened by drinking/drug use. Or it may take you longer to recover from illness when you're drinking/using.
• Lying about how much you are drinking/using.
• Being annoyed when people point out or criticize your behavior.
• Feeling guilty about your drinking or drug use.
• Hiding your drinking or drug use from others. Drinking or using when you're alone.
• Not meeting responsibilities to family, friends, work or school. Making rules for yourself in an effort to drink/use less, usually without success.
• Risk-taking such as driving under the influence or sharing needles.
• Blackouts -- Not remembering what you did when you were under the influence.