My name is Tony, and I am dually diagnosed!

 

Those are words that I never imagined I would say to myself, let alone in a group of people or to the entire world, but I am an alcoholic with bipolar disorder.

 

Recovery from substance abuse can be a lonely—if not terrifying—journey.

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Recovering means fighting to stay clean while integrating back into community, workplace, and family situations that may not support sobriety.

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Add a mental health condition to the recovery picture, and the challenges are compounded.

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Not only do individuals with co-occurring disorders battle to stay clean, but they must seek out services for their mental illness, find support groups that cater to their unique needs, and deal with a double dose of societal stigma.

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I think back to the broken person I was when I was actively using and realize that I have battled back from some incredible odds to arrive where I am today.

 

I am far from perfect, and I am far from being an expert in recovery, but I will continue to do the work that I need to do in the face of difficulty, challenges, and any opposition I encounter, to ensure I never go back.
 

"So, we had to get down to causes and conditions.”

 

This line resonates deeply with me, because in my story, addiction was a symptom of much deeper problems.

 

My illness has no bearing or influence on the person I am.

 

Here is what I can share with you based on my experience strength and hope.

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