question on recovery stats...

[historyteach]

I posted this on another forum before, and got an interesting link with much information, but, not exactly what I've been wondering.

I'm interested in finding any recovery statistics for dual diagnosed addicts. Trevor is a heroin addict; has been using drugs since 14 years old. He's also been diagnosed with depression. He's had multiple suicide attempts and overdoeses. I'd bet my bottom dollar he's bipolar; just not diagnosed yet.

So, where can I find any statistics for this information.
Does the age at which someone begins using determine or contribute to their recovery?
Does the lack of dual treatment determine or contribute to the lack of recovery?

I'm interested in facts. Please don't say, "there's always hope." I know that. I am working well on my own recovery.
But, for now, I want to know facts.

Thanks for any information; links; whatever you can share.
Shalom!

[odie123]

i am not sure about the facts, but my dad was a heroin addict in the 70s. he over dosed a some times and he died of hepatitis c. At the end his drug of choice was alcohol (he died 3 years ago). he went to many recovery places and was diagnosed with bi-polar. i am not sure if drugs do that or yu are born with it...drugs might help intensify the disorder...just a thought....

[tyler]

There are a number of programs that specialize in the treatment of DD. As far as the stats go, it's hard to say. Many find that when they stop their drug/alcohol abuse the other symptoms eventually go away, or at least get better. Some don't, it just depends on brain chemistry. When we are activally using, we are being little brain chemists and playing around up there, it takes awhile for everything to settle down to "normal" and then a doctor can really determine if our "baseline" is where it should be. Take care.

[odie123]

yes, i think tyler is very right...my dad was prescribed tricylics? and zoloft...

[historyteach]

Thank you, both.
I have been searching online for a DD treatment facility for Trevor, (my son), in RI where we live. But, there are none in RI. Indeed, many of them won't let clients take prescribed anti depressants or anything along that line. So, he's going to have to go out of state if he goes.
Tyler, I understand what your saying about clearing up after the drug abuse is stopped.
Odie, I'm sorry about your dad...
Thanks again for your help.
Shalom!

[stormyautumn]

Here is a web page a friend told me about that has a hotline that will help you find treatment centers around the country specializing in the needs of the individual...



http://www.addictioncareoptions.com/index.htm

[historyteach]

WOW!!!!
Thanks, SA!!! I'll check it out!!!
I really appreciate all your help, ya know?
Shalom!

[CAPTAINZING2000]

Teach,

I found out in my case anyway, I was depressed due to drinking and occasional drug use. After getting clean and sober, the depression lifted. I white knuckled it for a while.


I think, this is one of the main reasons people go back out, their emotions become overwhelming for them

[stormyautumn]

Your welcome. They also have live chat on that website although I have yet to go into it.

[betterdayz]

I have been using drugs since 12 or 13.. I too atempted suicide. I have been addicted to oxycotin the last two year and used countless other drugs to alter my mood. The longest time I got clean was 3 months..I thought I was doing good was a little bit happy for once in my life..had a lot of good ideas..but soon my emotions took over and im back where I left off. I am going to see a pysc. I hope there is a med to help me out there. I been taking zoloft for the last two and half week and no relief.

[Alycia]

betterdayz,
keep seeing somebody and stay on the zoloft. It will get better in the next coming weeks. I know that I ain't clean but I still can hope other people are
love
alycia

[historyteach]

Betterdayz;
It can take 6-8 weeks for an antidepressant to kick in, so, don't give up yet. White knuckle it for a while longer, as Chris says. For your sake...
Chris;
I agree. I am sure that's why many go back out. Untreated mental illness is not joke.
SA:
I went on the site, and went to the chat. A woman was directing me to a DD facility in FL. They don't take medicade, and the cost is $147,000 / year. The typical stay is 4 weeks. Unfortunately, every doctor and drug counselor I've spoken to says he needs a 6-12 month program. He really needs to learn how to live. He started using at 14 ya know. I'm still looking on that first site you gave me, SA. That's got a load of info on it.
Thanks all for the help; insights and support. In the end, it is up to him. Just finding a place he could try to get into realistically, though, is not enabling, I don't think.
Shalom!

[angelgirl]

Hey teach, I go to a dual diagnosis group, and in my group there is both a therapist and a drug/alcohol counselor. I will ask the counselors if they kow. I hope to remember, I don't have group again until Tuesday.
I am diagnosed with depression/anxiety w/panic attacks. and drug addiction. The group is very good for me, well except one girl, but that's a whole other thread
Anyway, I am sure I read something somewhere about the statistics, but I have been wracking my brain trying to remember where, and I haven't so far. But now I'm sure it will drive me nuts until I remember, and if I do, I will send you a PM...
I hope I remeber now, it's really bugging me. Maybe we were just told in my IOP group? Not sure, but I will try very hard to remember to ask.
It would be great if you could get Trevor to go to a group like this. Hey it may happen, when he's ready right??

Hope all is well for you. Love, Becky