When
it comes to living with certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety,
depression, or bipolar disorder, for instance, some people struggle with the
idea of accepting the fact that they live with what can often be a tremendously
debilitating and even life threatening illness. The same can be said for
addiction.
This
can be especially true for those who are newly diagnosed. The idea of living
one’s life like this can be devastating. When I had my first episode I had no
understanding of mental illness nor did I understand the link between my
bipolar and my addiction. I just knew that I didn’t want to continue to live
this way.
But it
was hard to come to terms with the fact that I had a condition that was
potentially lifelong. Despite being in therapy I still struggled to understand
the consequences associated with drug use and mental illness.
Eventually,
however, I did go through a process to learn that I was doing myself
considerable harm by continuing to use and not adhere to my treatment plan.
This process is analogous to the treatment method called, “MotivationalInterviewing.” MI was developed by Professor William R Miller, Ph.D. and
Professor Stephen Rollnick, Ph.D. in 1983. In this type of therapy, the
individual, with the assistance of a therapist, is able to be guided to make
specific changes in behavior to achieve a desired goal. The key is that the
individual is in the driver’s seat.
In my
case, I had experienced many substance use and mental health relapses. It came
down to the fact that I was sincerely afraid that my life could become a series
of psychiatric institutionalizations; a life that I never wanted. So the first
thing I had to do was to move out of what is called the “pre-contemplation”
stage. This is where I had to change my mind-set and get out of the denial
belief system that I was stuck in.
If you’ve read my earlier post, How Did I Get Here?, you’ll know that the pivotal moment was when I met with my therapist and was delivered an ultimatum to either go to rehab, go to a recovery meeting, or end up back in the hospital. When faced with the prospect of another hospitalization or telling my boss I had a drug problem I was able to move through the next stage of change, “contemplation,” and weigh the pros and cons of my choices.
If you’ve read my earlier post, How Did I Get Here?, you’ll know that the pivotal moment was when I met with my therapist and was delivered an ultimatum to either go to rehab, go to a recovery meeting, or end up back in the hospital. When faced with the prospect of another hospitalization or telling my boss I had a drug problem I was able to move through the next stage of change, “contemplation,” and weigh the pros and cons of my choices.
From
there I transitioned into the “preparation” stage where I mentally “psyched
myself up to go to the meeting. This was an important step because this is
where I had come to the realization that I needed to do something.
This
then led to the “action” stage where I actively began to attend recovery
meetings and at the same time started to become medication compliant which
resulted in my condition stabilizing. In the action stage, one establishes a
routine of lifestyle behaviors that are healthy and productive. Essentially
this is where the proverbial rubber hits the road. For me this meant making new
friends who were supportive of my recovery and staying away from the “people,
places, and things” associated with my former drug use.
In the
Stages of Change model, once a person establishes a pattern of sustained behavior
change for anywhere between 6-9 months, the individual enters into the “maintenance”
stage. It’s during this time that the changes made in the action stage are
continued and the recovery process is solidified. When I entered this period I was
regularly attending meetings and was actively participating in service-based
opportunities and group activities. My drug addiction was arrested.
I did
experience another stage, “relapse,” when I had over one year clean. I did not
use however I did have another manic episode which resulted in a brief stay in
the hospital. Fortunately I had a great deal of support from my friends in
recovery and was able to get back on my feet. I re-established my routine and resumed
my journey on the path to wellness.
Motivational
Interviewing has helped literally millions of people since its birth over 30
years ago. But one doesn’t necessarily have to be in formal treatment to
utilize the Stages of Change. In the end it is about coming to terms with one’s
life and to learn how to develop the behaviors to help oneself recover in a way
that serves to create a new beginning.
photo credit - Ian Cleary
photo credit - Ian Cleary
Great Post Karl.There are many people diagnosed with bi polar who are dual diagnosed prescribed medications too much and use it along with,other opiate drugs as that is extremely dangerous.If you drink alcohol with your meds you can die.Life is so precious,but a lot of families and individuals have bi- polar like myself. You can do it, but it takes work with you.You cannot get out of it, wwithout your work, you need that first time, the hardest, you have to admit to yourself and others, you are a recovering addict.Accept you are an addict and get the help right away.
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