ilivewithadisability.com

Addiction has gradually been accepted by the medical community as a disease, but more progressive states like California are beginning to realize that perhaps 80% or more cases of addiction are totally linked to a variety of mood disorders ranging from the terrible Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder to Anxiety and Depression (which approximately 15% of Americans are affected by each year.
The bottom line is I have become fascinated with the notion, and thousands of hours of research leaves zero doubt in my mind that not only are mood disorders and addiction linked — but if you ARE dual diagnosed with two conditions you will never, ever recover unless both are treated concurrently. I personally feel it is a blessing, because as my bipolar 2 disorder was brought under control, I lost 100% of the cravings to medicate myself and try to manage or escape the mental torment It’s a miracle that I want to give others hope about now.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, there is absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed about and once “better” I have come to feel like a more whole and happy person than at any other time in my life. I have been technically disabled through my 5 years of recovery, but I think it’s important for us disabled folk to come together in a group like this and support each other to prove to ourselves and the rest of the world that we are bright and capable of accomplishing great things.

Sharing our stories no matter how gruesome, and I’ll detail mine sometime, will bring us together and foster hope and happiness.

I have spent the better part of 2 years going through all my savings and reserves to build the largest sober living database in the US, which with pictorial and descriptive results I hope can get more people to sober living. This will help save lives as sober living, as I learned, is the true key to finishing initial treatment and getting better instead of staying on track for more relapsing.

I am really glad to be here and meet you all. I’d like to see a bunch of us accomplish things, if only by expressing opinions and attitudes here to dispel some of that negative stigma out there. Any other zebras like me out there? Come Join Me!! u