Substance abuse

Hi @Diana2

Thank you for sharing your story, I want you to know that we care about you, and we are here for you. It takes a lot of courage to reach out so well done for being so brave and taking that step and sharing your story with us.

I can see that you have just joined the forums recently, welcome to the Forum fam!

How long have been diagnosed with polysubstance use disorder?

Much love,

Melbcoffeesnob

Hi @Diana2 and welcome to the SANE forums! Thanks for sharing this. I have had a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder in the past, and have found that the addiction itself was a way for me to escape what the real cause was. Sorry to hear that you're struggling. Is there anything that might be helpful from us on the forums at the moment? I'd like to hear a bit more about you beyond the substance use. What sort of things do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Would they help you get by for the moment? Sometimes we lose sight of the things that bring us joy and also that we are of value. I know for me my alcohol use brought with it a lot of guilt and shame, and I forgot everything that makes me unique and that I still have something to contribute.

Hi @balance37,

I have a diagnosis of polysubstance use disorder. [edited by moderator] I am clean of all of these now for various period's of time's I just find it so intense still. I also have 4 mental health diagnosis being bi polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, complex PTSD and of course polysubstance use disorder. I don't have many hobbies. I do square breathing, word searches, mindfulness Colouring, journal writing and meditation at night. I'm trying to start doing Taxidermy through the NDIS soon, which I think will be really engaging and helpful. I'm having an OT come to my home soon to help me with task's such as self-care, house chores, daily activities, exercise and taking public transport.

Hi @Melbcoffeesnob

I have had the diagnosis of polysubstance use disorder for about 10 years though I have been using for the past 23-25 years. I am now 34.

I also have a diagnosis of bi polar, borderline personality disorder and Complex PTSD.

Thankyou for your warm welcome.

Hey @Diana2 ,

I can relate to the BPD, but I can't relate to the polysubstance disorder.

In a way, when I was at my worse, I turned to many forms of self-harm including drugs. It helped me cope in that moment, even though it wasn't helpful in the long run.

When my BPD was treated, then all the other symptoms of self-harm, anxiety, depression etc eventually fell away.

However, it may be different for you. BPD may not be the underlying condition. I hope you one day find out what works for you. Thank you for sharing some of the things you enjoy doing and the taxidermy course you will start.

@Diana2 Wow, taxidermy! That's very cool. Is it an online course or face to face?

I also have a C-PTSD diagnosis and currently in trauma based therapy, although DBT has been helpful in keeping my alcohol use at bay. I particularly like the worksheets tailored to addiction and noticing whether you're in addict mind, clear mind or clean mind. Have you come across this before? Here are some of the worksheets from the handbook: https://cdnsm5-ss18.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_1411673/File/Counseling/Compassion-Project/SUD-Handouts-wk-5.pdf

I hope everything goes well with the OT, too. Keep us updated if you would like to. 🙂