Posted by Kath on February 20, 2009, at 19:13:27
In reply to Bipolar Diagnosis and Drug Abuse, posted by garnet71 on February 17, 2009, at 16:46:41
Reminds me of my son. His diagnosis if 'schizophrenia'. However, it might be 'substance-induced schizophrenia' which might mean he might have becom sch. anyway or that the sch. was caused by drugs, but would go away if he completely stopped for, I think it's at least 6 months. Even his mental health worker said that unless he stopped for 6 mos. it wouldn't be known.
He is on meds & has gone from a size 36" waist to 42" waist. Now weights 230 lbs.
I wanted to post this to let you know that I can relate to your concerns about your friend. In my son's case, he's still doing some drugs, so probably wouldn't be successful going off meds completely. He was on seroquel, risperidone & clomazepam. Is off seroquel & has reduced risp. a bit & the clomaz is just to help him sleep. He's only on .5 mg of it.
I am very sorry - I really don't know how they can KNOW that once off hard drugs a person would be bipolar forever!
It's hard to see those we care about in difficult & scarey situations.
It is truly wonderful that your friend was able to become clean & sober.
((you)) Kath
poster:Kath
thread:880758
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090214/msgs/881371.html