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tw33k · 01-14-2008, 04:55 PM

I've been using drugs since i was 10. I started injecting heroin when i was 16. I've been on and off it for over half my life.
I've been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and generalised anxiety. I'm on 225mg venlafaxine, 20mg olanzapine, 2mg xanax twice a day and 32mg suboxne.
This combination has worked brilliantly!! I've been clean for over 8 months and never even think about using.
I've always believed that, for me any way, my substance abuse was a form of self-medicating. I was always different to my using buddies. They'd get smashed, go on the nod etc but I'd just feel 'normal'. I had a big habit too. I was using 2-3 grams of heroin a day. It got to the point where I had plateaued and no matter how much i used, i couldn't get stoned.
Now, on my meds, particularly the suboxone, I feel terrific. I have life issues that I need to deal with and I'm learning new ways of coping with stressors, the pressures of life etc but I'm getting there.
I see a psychiatrist once a month and I'm in therapy with a pshychologist weekly. I also attend weekly GROW groups.
Dealing with our dual diagnosis can be done but needs to be looked after properly by competant professionals.
Don't give up hope.
I'm no longer offering empty promises to my family, friends, doctors or myself...I'm doing it. And if I can, anyone can.

01-14-2008, 04:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
tw33k Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 170	Dual Diagnosis I've been using drugs since i was 10. I started injecting heroin when i was 16. I've been on and off it for over half my life. I've been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and generalised anxiety. I'm on 225mg venlafaxine, 20mg olanzapine, 2mg xanax twice a day and 32mg suboxne. This combination has worked brilliantly!! I've been clean for over 8 months and never even think about using. I've always believed that, for me any way, my substance abuse was a form of self-medicating. I was always different to my using buddies. They'd get smashed, go on the nod etc but I'd just feel 'normal'. I had a big habit too. I was using 2-3 grams of heroin a day. It got to the point where I had plateaued and no matter how much i used, i couldn't get stoned. Now, on my meds, particularly the suboxone, I feel terrific. I have life issues that I need to deal with and I'm learning new ways of coping with stressors, the pressures of life etc but I'm getting there. I see a psychiatrist once a month and I'm in therapy with a pshychologist weekly. I also attend weekly GROW groups. Dealing with our dual diagnosis can be done but needs to be looked after properly by competant professionals. Don't give up hope. I'm no longer offering empty promises to my family, friends, doctors or myself...I'm doing it. And if I can, anyone can.