Anyone here suffer from mental illness and substance abuse?

[tweekie]

I'm having difficulty getting off of percocet. I take 2-4 a day, everytime I start weaning down, I get so close to feeling normal and then go right back. I'm also diagnosed with Major Depression Recurrent and Bipolar Type 2,  I see all these people who take so much more, I know I shouldn't compare but why am I so stuck. I've use opiates in the past, but havent' touched them for years, only 3-4 months ago, since I had an abortion. In the depressed forum someone suggested that I need professiona detox. I guess it varies on an individual basis, but anyone out there think this can be managed at home?

[J_u_D_e]

If you think you find hard time managing this problem, there are several ways to find a solution for that.  Addiction recovery programs can give you choices to medicate and rehabilitate yourself from the negative effects of drug addiction.

[ginsa]

I would agree that supervised detox is a good idea...if you can afford it. What I have learned though, is that there are very few facilities that are truly qualified to treat co-occuring disorders. Most will be what is called co-occuring tolerant, but do not have a Psychaitrist on staff keeping regular hours there. You might see a Psych once during your stay, for an evaluation to satisfy the requirements of the insurance company, but that's about it. The focus will likely be on rehabilitation through a 12 step program. These programs are very helpful for some people as an addiction support group, but are not qualified to treat mental illness. Still, the support might be a good addition to your lifestyle. You can locate AA/NA meetings online and find one that is close to you and that "fits". You don't have to be abstinent to attend. This might be a good place to start. The support might give you the confidence you need to follow through with detox at home.

Opiate detox usually isn't life threatening, but since you already suffer from depression it's a good idea to go into it as well armed as possible. Many people find taking an antidepressant helps with the depression that accompanies withdrawl. Can you locate a Psychaitrist that specializes in addiction? I see a Psychaitrist and a Therapist for mental illness, but they are not well informed about addiction and withdrawl. On the other hand, the detox center was not able to address my mental issues. You will have to be very pro-active in your recovery to find what works for you. It can be done. Hope things work out for you. Keep posting, there's fantastic support here.

[Kevin_Bacon]

What are you taking, if anything, for your depression?

I can tell you, no matter how hard it is to do in w/ds, that getting out of the house (library, movie, meetings) really helps, even though your brain will tell you it's not worth it ...

[outotown]

Well i have handled mine at home and i was on a bunch more than you, 4 diff perscription meds and was addicted to all. I have a major depressive disorder, I HATE IT, and it deff. help led me into addiction, it sounds as if your craving or try'n to cover something else up with the using, and if you dont nip it in the bud NOW, you are heading for a place you dont want to be with mental illness, you need to come clean to your Dr now. If you need to talk holler at me ok. Also I made a post on 5-30-09  Called what do you think led to your addiction, go look it up you may find some answers in there. Good louck to you, the psot may be back 1 or 2 pages now it has i think about 60 post on it.