co-occurring disorders and addiction?

[1question917]

When someone has co-occurring disorders, such as depression, social anxiety and PTSD mixed with addiction.   Should a family member wait for this person to admit themselves to rehab or try intervention?  


Thanks for your response

[1question917]

Thanks Shelly,


I  feel so sorry for him, and want to help him.  


Thank you for the prayers.  

[shelly405]

I just got up a bit agao and saw your response. I had to pass out last night. I could tell from the feeling of your original post that he may have served. Our vets have some very unique problems. If he is afraid of rehab, maybe just couseling for a while? I am almost sure he is self-medicating to forget what he has been through.

From the Civil War and morphine use right up until this current war, our vets have a long history of opiate abuse, usually developed on the front lines. I have no answers other than to love him. There are so many different issues going on for him it's hard to say if his problem is drugs at all. The pills may be an escape for something else, and not HIS major issue - just all that you can outwardly detect.
I will pray for him and you.
Shelly

[angel44240]

I know I've suffered PTSD for a VERY long time.. Especially when my mother passed away.. How I dealt with it? I'm not quite sure.. Only 'time' I guess..
I still experience alot of resentment and find myself literally panicking, thinking about the past (I suffered alot of abuse from my first husband in the first two years of our marriage, which made me literally hate him for many years- I loved him, but pretty much resented him the rest of my life.. to this day, although he sought help and he's not like that anymore). I divorced him back in Dec.'03, then remarried after that.. the man I remarried was even WORSE- not abusive toward me, but he cheated constantly and I left him shortly after.. so the marriage was VERY short lived.. lol.. I'm sooo glad! :D
In order for ourselves to actually HEAL, we have to be able to 'let go and LIVE'.. But many steps toward healing..
A counselor is pretty much the only way for 'me' to stay sane.. I haven't seen mine in ages, and this reminds me that I have to! lol
First step is admitting we have a problem- whether it be an addiction, something we aren't letting go even though we may not THINK we are resentful or mourning, we subconsciously ARE and that's where the problem lies.. The primary source of our anxiety/depression.. Also comes with our brain chemisty being out of wack as well. I honestly have come to terms with all of this, but haven't learned to DEAL nor COPE with it just yet..
I'll definitely keep you guys in my prayers and please keep us posted.. Blessings!
Alli

[GoingToMakeIt]

Thanks for the update. I will be praying for you and him.

[1question917]

Sorry Shelly

Had to leave and go check on him.  Yes, he served in the Afghanistan and he has not been the same since.  He began taking pills and drinking.  He was rushed to the hospital will an overdose  6 months after he got back.  Then had a traffic accident 6 months after that. My first thought that he had been drinking. Nothing was found in his system.  But after the surgery and 2 week stay in hospital.  He continues to need the pain medications a year after the accident and now is losing control of everything. The anxiety and depression he had all his life. I think he had a panic attack when confronted with Rehab. I do not know if his mental state of mind will allow him to do that. He was sent out of state this year for his work and could not stay away, he stated he felt so alone and depressed. The thought of being alone and away terrifies him.  

That was great how fast you identifed him as a veteran and seem to have a understanding of the problem before explained .

To:  Going to Make It

The question will be answered, when the doctors start asking them.

When they can look beyond the addiction to find the cause.

Thanks everyone, you have been a great help!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Did you get the answers needed?

[shelly405]

Maybe the Dr. sent him home to think about things. Time is a great healer and level. If someone doesnt want to do something, nobody can make them. The Dr. offered rehab, right? Give it time, and be there for him.
May I ask if he has been "Over There" in Iraq? I am in Sacramento, and there is a base in my area, and I see so many troops that are just going through a real rough time when they come home. Sounds like what you are taking about  a bit.
Shelly

[1question917]

This person does not know how to express themselves very well.  Opened up for the first time and told the truth to the doctor about addiction problem, when confronted about rehab I think the mental issue came in.  He said no.  The doctor sent him home and told him to come back next week.  Did the doctor forget his mental condtion?  I am not a doctor and am at my witts end, it was a big step to admit to the doctor,he had a problem. Now he feels he cannot be fixed at all.

[road2recovery]

the good thing is they know they have a problem, is this person willing to get help??
you seem like a good friend to this person, the best thing you can do is sit with he/she
tell them you are there with them every step of the way, to get better..
a person like this needs support
good luck
r2r

[1question917]

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Yes, they know they have a problem.  Just scared to take first step.  Mental issue is looking bad.

[shelly405]

WOW.
Pray for guidance first. If they have all that, they are probably really delicate right now. One the one hand they may be screaming mentally for someone to help them, and on the other hand if you say anything they could get really defensive.

Maybe you could address the depression or PTSD and the addiction will be admitted by them willingly? They may just need someone to talk with.
Shelly

[road2recovery]

welcome, first what is PTSD??

[GoingToMakeIt]

Whoa, that is a tough one. Usually it has to come from the addict for it to do any good. Is this person even acknowledging having a problem?