Dual Diagnosis: Double the Challenge - Episode 29

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Getting personal on this episode about the effects of addiction (drugs or alcohol) on the family - and the double challenge when it co-occurs with SMI (Serios Mental Illness) - in our sons’ cases: schizophrenia.Are we ever really out of the woods? Are our loved ones?What can we do? What must we let go of?The 3 moms get personal here. Solutions? We wish we had some - but we do share ideas of actions and attitude. Maybe you’ll hear your story inside of ours. You are not alone.-----------What is dual diagnosis? (Co-occuring disorder)What works? What doesn’t? - “Harm reduction” treatment?12-step programs?Why is it so hard?Similar symptoms - delayed SMI diagnosisGriefGrief, Lost Trust, lost timeRelapse disappointmentStronger drugs now What can the family do?“Trust, but verify” - blood tests, Urine testsSet your boundaries/rewards/consequences Do what works - even if your break the rules you thought you knewBalance of letting go/stepping inSupport a healthier community and purposeful activity for our loved onesGet support or help for yourself (the family) - AlAnon? Therapy?“Know that you’re dealing with something unknowable, and do the best you can” (Mimi)Look for Integrated Care for your loved one - treats both diagnoses togetherKeep watching carefullyBe aware (and providers be aware) that what looks like “just substance abuse” may indeed be early symptoms of SMI - alert the family  Links:Dr. Laitman - listen to our episode 18, June 2021Samhsa has resources: 1-800-662-HELPhttps://www.samhsa.gov/familiesNAMI:www.nami.orghttps://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-DisordersCedar Ridge: https://www.meridianprograms.com/program/cedar-ridge-mens-residential-stillwater-mn/NAMI Family-to-Familyhttps://nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-FamilyBook: Beautiful Boyhttps://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Boy-Fathers-Journey-Addiction/dp/0547203888Who Are the 3 Moms?Randye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It”Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“)    Support the showPlease share and support the podcast so we can reach more people who need the info and support.Want to know more?Join our facebook page  Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman