Bi-polar depression and addiction

Introduction

According to Lawson, 1989, in Chapter One there are three primary causes for addiction; physiological, sociological, and/or psychological. Whether a person is genetically or bio-chemically predisposed to addiction or alcoholism is a controversy that has been debated for years within the scientific community. I have seen and experienced the cycle of addiction. I have learned that anything can be addictive and destructive. Knowing how and why addictions are formed gives me personal understanding. This knowledge has allowed me to be more sensitive when listening to classmates, family, and television stories about peoples struggles.

Bi-polar depression and addiction

Women have issues unique to their sex. Gender socialization is primarily responsible for this. Of particular interest are issues related to relationships, parenting, step-parenting, health concerns, depression, attention deficit disorder, financial concerns, domestic violence and divorce. I have an extreme concern for the changing dynamics of family because so many women are dealing with parenting issues and are not able to meet the needs as a mother because they deal also with addiction to various substances. My experience with single moms is limited. A personal change that has occurred is the want to help these women. There is hope even in the midst of struggles with substances or abuse.

Black and white, cut and dry, cookie-cutter treatment is not effective. So many alcoholics and addicts have multiple problems that need to be dealt with simultaneously. Addiction is most commonly found in a combination with affective disorders, which include; major depression, bipolar, and paranoid disorders. To demonstrate just how prevalent dual-diagnosis is, PR NewsWire (2005) reports that "...half of all people with mental illness are also effected by substance abuse."

Special issues that present for an impaired physician or health care provider are deeply founded upon their need for recognition of professional status and drive for intellectualism. This is a group that is very quiet about personal problems surrounding addiction (Thompson, 2005). It had never occurred to me that such things as addiction or alcoholism could plague such an educated group. It makes perfect sense after learning of the stress physicians are under. They face unique challenges that others don't. Not many other professions are regarded so highly.

Resilient offspring of alcoholics refers to the behavior of the Adult Children of Alcoholics who, although have a bent toward alcoholism, typically present problems associated with living in an alcoholic environment. In a news report by Fox News (2005), "...half of all children (35.6 million) live in a household where a parent or other adult uses tobacco, drinks heavily, or uses illicit drugs." There is a need for support for those who suffer the repercussions of alcohol and drug use. Families are affected.

The first thing the treatment professional needs to consider when treating the gay/lesbian alcoholic is the stigma that they live under. Gays and lesbians live in such isolation from the rest of society that that first needs to be addressed because it is probably a big cause of the alcohol addiction. I held onto the stereotype that ...