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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.

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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 diagnosisGrief
• Grief, Lost Trust, lost time
• Relapse disappointment
• Stronger drugs now 

What can the family do?

• “Trust, but verify” - blood tests, Urine tests
• Set your boundaries/rewards/consequences 
• Do what works - even if your break the rules you thought you knew
• Balance of letting go/stepping in
• Support a healthier community and purposeful activity for our loved ones
• Get 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 together
• Keep watching carefully
• Be 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 2021

Samhsa has resources: 1-800-662-HELP

https://www.samhsa.gov/families

NAMI:

www.nami.org

https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-Disorders

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Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman