Have Questions About Addiction? Ask an Addict!

My son says he has been "sober" for 30 days, and in fact he does seem more focused than he has been for years.  He claims not to have much of a craving for marijuana, possibly because he is in a supportive environment and receiving medication.  His treatment for addiciton will continue, but he has not been referred to another 30-day program on account of mental health issues.  His medications are being micro-managed and I have a hunch they are for bi-polar disorder.  The newest is Abilify.  Co-morbid conditions with bi-polar are of course depression, but also substance abuse, ADHD, sleeplessness and even Diabetes.  Why?  Does anyone have any experience with this or know of an organization like Ask An Addict for bi polar people and their families?  I'd actually thought he might be bi-polar a few years ago, but rejected the idea because I've never seen him "elated," which is how the manic phase is described often.  I've since been told the way he focuses on video games with such intensity might be his equivalent to "elated."  He has an application for disability pending and I'm afraid of of the future.  I have yet to speak to anyone at the hospital where he's being treated.  The new mental health program starts in two days.

Posted: 01/07/2017 6:38 PM

Received 1 Thanks for this Post

When I wrote "Not being treated for mental health issues" I meant to say "Now being treated ..."

Posted: 01/07/2017 6:40 PM

Received 1 Thanks for this Post

National Allaince for Mental Illness is a good resource :http://www.nami.org/   Bipolar is common, and is experienced in degrees of severity.Bipolar is often first diagnosed as ADHD, especially in children. Bipolar may be extreme in some persons with wild swings in mood, or may be milder.  Inability to sleep and staying up all night to play video games could be a symptom. You are not alone

Posted: 01/12/2017 4:10 PM

Received 1 Thanks for this Post