As a person living with a psychiatric condition (schizo-affective disorder) and as a person who is concurrently living in one day at a time recovery from addiction I must say that in my opinion that both afflictions, either alone or coexisting, are illnesses.
I do not believe in the concept that one simply needs to pull up their boots to overcome or as some might say conquer these diseases. People living with these concurrent illnesses more often than not need to be treated with what some would call contrary methods.
The fact that medication can be used to manage these disorders can be seen, by some people, as a counter productive treatment. More often than not medication is the life-line for people living with a mental illness which is coexisting with addictions. I must say that it can be successful and that is just the way that it is.
Disorders like anxiety and depression can become life-threatening afflictions. Often when coexisting with addictions it can be clearly seen that managing these concurrent conditions together recovery can be more successful instead of treating just one or the other. People can become well. And remember this – we are people.
Some people will self medicate to deal with mental health conditions and this could lead to a worse affliction than that is already present. An example of this is when a person who is living with depression decides to use alcohol to feel better. More often than not it makes conditions worse than they are at that time. Life and health can be put at risk.
Substances such as alcohol or other drugs can make it difficult to properly diagnose a mental illness. When one is properly diagnosed and treated recovery can be made possible. My recovery is based on living life one day one day one day at a time and using the right medication for the right condition. I have learned many coping methods from therapists, rehab programs, self-help methods, and I tie into a healthy form of spirituality to be reasonable, reasonably happy, joyous, and free. Life is not perfect and I live with adversity the best that I can. I am pretty well content or on the beam but I know that I do fall off the beam at times. That is when one needs supports and I know how to use natural and professional supports. I am not only a human being; I am a human being living.
Concurrent disorders can be successfully treated when the one afflicted with one participates in their recovery and then recovery is possible. We need to be responsible to participate and do the footwork needed to manage life and we need know that life is not always easy. Life is not as quick as technology can be and sometimes we simply need to live it. It can take time. Thank you for reading. Be well today.