Dual diagnosis

[Confused1977]

I'm under the care of the community mental health team. But I also have some alcohol issues. Im not physically dependent but I'm (unsuccessfully) using alcohol to cope with my mental health symptoms. I'm really scared mental health team are going to discharge me from their care. They may say that I have a alcohol problem not a mental health problem OR they may say the alcohol will make their treatment ineffective. And discharge me. But it's the mental health issue that is driving the alcohol problem. I am engaging in support services for both. I think this is called dual diagnosis. Anyone else out there been through this? I'm scared. Is there hope?

Many people with mental health problems "self medicate" with alcohol. Conversely, alcohol can cause/exacerbate mh problems. It cam become a viciois circle.

Do you have a diagnosis? It sounds like the mental health team input is new?

Have you been offered medication at all? Ideally you shouldn't drink with medication but i wash my ADs down with gin sometimes. I do however find that whilst alcohol is calming after a shitty day, if i have too much (and by this i mean more than one/two glasses) ill wake up more anxious the following day.

I think you need to focus on getting through each day at the moment, let the mh team guide uou to the correct support and if they do suggest support regarding the alcohol thats fine, you are allowed to ask for things you think might help.

Good luck - its scary i know. Xxx