Toms Girl this is not directed at you, but those who might be reading and scratching their heads. It is very important that the mental illness be treated effectively. It may take trying different medications to find one that works. Some anti-depressants take up to 6 months to work effectively in the system. Their are some that can actually increase the urge to use drugs or alcohol. For our loved ones who are dually diagnosed this can be very difficult because they are looking for a quick fix. It IS so important to work in a cooperative manner with your doctor, as I said sometimes it takes trial after trial as the chemistry make up is so different in all of us and when the chemical make up of the brain is effected by the use of drugs or alcohol is is painstaking. A tremendous support group is The Alliance for the Mentally Ill. They are truely working around the issues of stigma. It is also very important to have doctor who believes in the theory of dual diagnosis, many don't. It is also important that if mental illness is suspected it is properly diagnosed. Dealing with this issue takes much time and patience.