The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My son has had schizoaffective disorder for 12 years and has self medicated with alcohol on and off though he was sober for the past 4 years. He started drinking again which is really dangerous with the psychiatric meds he's on. Whether he's drinking or not, I'm always on pins and needles but it's particularly hard when he's abusing substances. I'm new to Alanon (don't have a sponsor yet) but it has already become a big part of my life...I never imagined being able to find peace in the midst of this turmoil but at least I can see that it's possible. Anyone else out there with alcoholic family members who have been diagnosed with a mental illness?
Yes. 1st cousin.....Runaway bipolar. Refuses meds and is such a drunk at age 34 he has cirrhosis. But according to him, he is going to become mayor of Baltimore or an NFL player. Meanwhile, he is homeless and everyone in the family but my mom is afraid of him (with good reason).
Gad you are here. My father most definitely had dual diagnosis. Alcohol soothed the rage he had
I am glad al anon helps you. It has certainly helped me
Maresie
Thank you for responding Mareise. I have been looking for a dual diagnosis AA group to no avail. My son attended a group at the VA once and was doing well until some insensitive comments were made about mental illness...now he won't seek help in a group. It is so tragic to watch....he has two illnesses to deal with so it makes his alcoholism that much harder. I so look forward to finding a sponsor as I am hanging on day to day right now as is he.
Welcome VonVon I m glad you reached out and are attending alanon face to face meetings I would call the AA hotline in your community, explain what you are looking for and see if they can direct you to an appropriate meeting. The hot line number can be found in the white pages. Good luck and do keep coming back
