Dual Diagnosis and Recovery

• Educate yourself about mood disorders and alcohol/drug dependence.
• Don't blame yourself. Keep in mind that your loved one has two treatable medical illnesses. You didn't cause either one, and you can't cure either one.
• Don't take responsibility for making your loved one well. Encourage him or her to get professional medical help for both illnesses.
• Approach the person to talk about getting help when you are calm, and when s/he seems relatively sober/clean and calm. Don't t threaten to call the police or put the person in the hospital unless you mean it and are prepared to follow through.
• Don't make it easier for your loved one to continue self-destructive behavior. Don't loan money if you know it will be used to buy drugs or alcohol. Don't lie to others to cover up your loved one's drinking or drug use.
• Don't preach or lecture. Talk to the person about specific things that have happened because of his or her substance abuse and untreated mood disorder that are visible and obvious. For example, s/he may have health, work, family or money problems.
• Don't use guilt to motivate the person to get help.
• Realize that your loved one's illnesses can affect his or her thoughts and views. Know that with good treatment, hopeless and self-defeating thoughts and attitudes can be overcome.
• Do your best to give support and be patient throughout the recovery process. Don't expect the person to recover immediately.
• Allow your loved one to spend the time s/he needs with support groups and treatment as s/he recovers.
• Get support for yourself, whether or not your loved one gets help. Join a support group for friends and family. Seek professional help if you need it.
• Never give up hope.

Source: National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Find out more in their web sitewww.DBSAlliance.org

Production of this brochure was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott Neuroscience. This brochure was reviewed by DBSA Scientific Advisory Board member Michael E. Thase, M.D. of the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and by Chuck and Christine Rogers of DBSA Gold Coast.

DBSA does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment or medication for mood disorders. For advice about specific treatments or medications, individuals should consult their health care providers.

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