[jpal]

It upsets me that you can't find a therapist who understands what you call a "dual diagnosis". Many people who suffer from depression self-medicate with something and that often leads to an addiction.(if not in a physical sense than in an emotional one) Its like which came first the depression or the drinking?? I've been there! Now I have been medicated for my depression and I am no longer abusing alcohol! For me the depression came first-but BOTH aspects have to be dealt with. Treating my depression enabled me to handle my drinking binges. Are you in any kind of treatment or taking any meds? If not that is something you should look into. It helped me more than I can express in words. I also didn't like the first therapist that I went to......i though she was condescending(but it was probably that I went there with my mind closed to it) But I did get medication and that started me on the right path. As the medication started to work, I found that it was easier to seek and accept help. Right now you are feeling totally helpless and feel that nothing will work. And that's the depression talking. You say that your depression is mild. No such thing!! Yes, there are different levels of depression that you can be in..........but they all interupt your life and scew your thinking. Don't discount the fact that you suffer from depression!! It just may be the root of all your problem and not the by-product!