what should i do

[petals200]

mu husband is a recovering addict now he's suffering from hallucinations hearing things and seeing things he believes his family is hiding something from him.  he's been hospitalized with no result meds of no use. he's confused about reality and we're becoming afraid of what he make be capable of doing to us or himself.  8 of the 11 signs he shows for schizophrenia.  our local therapist won't see him because of the past drug use. what do we do?

[ILADVOCATE]

He needs a psychiatrist who specializes in treating people with a psychiatric disability and a substance abuse issue. There are dual recovery groups as well. That way both issues can be addressed as illegal drugs have long term effects that can include psychosis but they can also trigger the onset of schizophrenia and worsen its recovery rate.

[doctora]

First question that came to my mind when I read your post, is that your husband is a recovering addict, how long has he been sober, and what was his addiction?

I did a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse, and the facility also thought I was addicted to presecription meds. The alcohol was a branch of my bi-polar, as I will go through phases of various things, some good and some bad, where I will go manic and then come down, but I noticed that some at rehab., who had addiction to meth., coke etc., even after withdrawl, still had occasional hallucinations, and we all held a grudge to the family members who put us in rehab.

The longer he is sober the less he will experience hallucinations, however he may have taken so much of what he was addicted too, that it will cause brain damage.

I agree with IL, he does need to see a psychiatrist, who will give him medication to help with his symptoms, in the meantime, all you can do is support him, and be aware that he is just starting on a tough journey to recovery, so if he becomes upset about something, be compassionate and calm. He may feel that his family is plotting behind his back, but I also felt that way for a long time after rehab., I actually didnt speak to my family for 2 yrs., but time and my improvement has shown them that I am trying to get better, but like I said it is going to take time.