Double Trouble

My 27-year-old son was diagnosed with Bipolar Illness a year and a half ago.  He displayed all the classic symptoms of not sleeping, not eating, grandiose ideas, delusions, wreckless behavior and spending.  He was put on Lithium and hospitalized for 3 weeks.  By December of last year he quit taking his medication, and little by little worked his way back into a major manic episode which took place in August.  Since that time, he has been in the hospital and released twice.  At this point he is now in a state hospital as he is having a difficult time getting and staying stablized.  To add to the problem, he has a drinking and marijuana addiction, which along with the bipolar illness is terming him as "double trouble".  At this time, the bipolar symptoms have been stablized, but he still is somewhat in denial of any drug/alcohol addiction and tends to minimize the degree of this problem.  This is keeping him hospitalized.  As time goes on, he does admit to the addictions, and his need to resolve them. I am afraid this new attitude of his is coming about just so he can be released sooner from the hospital to get home and take up where he left off.  What is the outlook for a person with this "dual diagnosis"?  How can we be sure that when the time comes, he safely can be released from the hospital?  Will he have a lifetime of the "revolving door syndrome" where he is released from the hospital only to return, over and over again?  Can you give any advice on this subject.  And if there are any "double troube" people out there, I would appreciate hearing from you and how you are dealing with your illness/addiction.

Thank you.
Cathy

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Cathy,

I can understand the concern and frustration that you are experiencing due to your son's bipolar illness and co-morbid addiction to alcohol and marijuana. Treatment of bipolar illness is often life-long, especially in people who have had recurrent manic episodes. People with bipolar illness and/or alcohol/drug addiction can maintain a productive life, provided they comply with treatment plans (including medications), and abstain  from the use of alcohol and drugs. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your son's treating psychiatrist, who will be able to tell you when he can be safely discharged from the hospital, even though it is impossible for anyone to predict the future accurately.