How I Reached Acceptance

Accepting my diagnoses was fearful — This is my imaginary pick me up statements every Dual-Diagnosed Addict should read.

Co-occurring disorders are also known as being Dual Diagnosis. It is so common in America to be considered Dual Diagnosed and although a lot of humans are not accepting the title they have earned, I will be the one who explains Dual Diagnosis Addiction & co-occurring disorders better than any other doctor, therapist, or person who studied addiction, studied mental health disorders, or studied anything wise you get my point?

No matter how much you study- if you haven't lived through it experiencing the pain you needed to feel in order to transform, or so called a ‘rock bottom’ then you don't understand. This is a must read for anyone trying to transform their life! IF your conclusion already, is you are perfect and don't need a reality check, then thanks for the click but sit down, shut up and just read this guy's perspective of changing your perspective on how you think about your so-called structured life should be like!

My BIGGEST downside was not being honest with really the only person you have to be honest to & that Is YOURSELF! If every other person known to walk into the doctor’s office is walking out with prescriptions based on TEMPORARY feelings, then what was that diagnosis called? I asked myself that daily and you should to, because there are more side effects then good effects to EVERY HOPELESS PILL YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH!

On TV they are dealing with the drama of Jimmy Fallen’s ratings going below Fox Fake News and I try not to worry about shit like that, but it has been on my mind because I’m a disorderly ADHD-having ass who can’t stop thinking about the pointless shit sometimes.

The negative mindset I had to break became visual when I started to WRITE down what mattered most. I had to turn the TV off because whatever they are putting on cable nowadays is ruining the imagination of millions and driving fear into people’s lives on purpose!

Like who cares about anyone else but WHO YOU REALLY ARE right now! I have ADHD and it sure shows in my articles and I honestly don’t give a flying as long as you learn something I’ll be alright, and I am a comedian at heart so if you can’t take constructive criticism or jokes you might as well defriend me and get lost!

I struggle with ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety just like every other American & Especially the ones who eat pills for breakfast, lunch & dinner just like I got stuck into, but what if I told you that you don't need those fuckin medication’s you need the power of acceptance! I'm not trying to be mean here, I'm being honest because I know the facts.

Whoever has not had PTSD from their past actions and who hurt someone else is a stubborn asshole, or also is in DENAIL. Not living in ACCEPTANCE sucks! I love living in acceptance, well sometimes because I’ve been stuck on the patterns of thinking about my past- my needle addiction shooting up toilet water, the sink wouldn’t work but I wanted to shoot heroin in a gas station NEXT TO A STRIPPER smoking crack and every time I think of my wicked past, I think its irreversible but then look at the reality of the situation which is I’m over 3.5yr clean, Dual Diagnosed and want to claim that title. (Mr. Dual Diagnosed)

What is Dual Diagnosed?

It's the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.

Wow sounds fun huh?

Well, it is not. This combination can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and quality of life even including their loved ones-that is for damn sure. It is crucial to understand that co-occurring disorders are COMMON, especially if you have ever experienced past ABUSE or TRAUMA.

Just because I’m an addict in recovery doesn’t mean I still lie and cheat. I USED TO. — Derek.0

The first step towards your next best self is called 24/7 acceptance of the fact you need meditation over medication and mind over matter.

Through reading and writing you always learn something. It can be about yourself or myself, as long as you understand this 10-step process and put a little ACTION into it, you will understand who you are working with.

Everyone is different, but EVERYONE can educate themselves by simply reading, & if you break out that new pencil and start to journal your thoughts and feelings down then you have the best chance at productivity!

(September 4th, 2019- SOBRIETY DATE/ EYE OPENING ‘I NEED HELP’)

It can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone during the process. You are allowed to reach out and be honest with your feelings, & it was very hard to admit I needed help, but I am so glad I did ask for help.

When I was dead in the streets of California, I knew I needed to do something different than drugs and alcohol to numb all the pain I was in.

AA, NA, HA, CA, any A is any anonymous 12-step group made to transform the addict ‘back to life’ right?

That’s all I noticed in these groups over the years is the people that glorify their life story and the problem that comes with it. I was a over complicator, I denied the truth, I got turned on from other people’s stories about my drug of choice, that is why I went the REFUGE approach, & let me tell you all this structure of getting sober is by far more understanding then the NORMAL 12-STEPS any other group has.

I tried all Mind-Altering Substances to numb my pain, tried every concoction to reach a happy state of mind BUT it was not until I brought Refuge into my life, I started to realize Recovery existed!

As I read and write about the things that matter most to me, I can start to visualize a better future for you all if you make your own questionnaire exactly like i done which ill share below.

I wanted to understand my problems, so I studied them, wrote down questions then answered them honestly.

Writing saved my life to be totally honest. I’m very grateful that I have 2 legs, 2 arms, 2 hands with all my finger’s. It was so hard to accept that I needed help still after I got sober. Investigating my recovery over the years these ten statements are the ones I want everyone to learn about me about them.

Balled up pain is an explosion waiting to go off as I done that many times, I don’t want you all to do that because it’s a disaster waiting to arrive.

FACTS

My Acceptance Points:

Must read for substance abusers wanting to stop substance abuse:

1. Many people faced similar type situations and struggles as you and I.

SO many addicts have successfully overcome addiction. Getting sober felt very weird in the beginning because I was not normal. I didn’t realize until I was 26 years old, I was Bipolar I mean I knew I had bad anxiety, ADHD, Depression, PTSD so who doesn’t need a Xanax nowadays?

I promise YOU don't! You need new coping skills to re-direct those negative thoughts!

2. With the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage both mental health disorders and substance use disorders.

Trust me I am doing it right now as I type this article, I struggle with the birds singing in the background, I hear the dogs barking and it pisses me off, I have this weird blood in my veins I feel.

The unique kind of shit.

3. Be Unique Feel Unique

Speak The Truth

Treatment for co-occurring disorders typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions. It is very important you tell your case load your honest to God feelings, so they take the RIGHT approach.

If you feel like Medication is running your life and not helping it, then why wouldn't you get off of it?

4. Detoxing Is Not Fun and Never Will BE, It Is SO WORTH IT though to get to the other side!

If you are detoxing, then you might need:

• therapy
• medication
• support groups
• Gatorade
• Comfy Bed
• Time to heal.
• Structured Approach to a happy life starts with YOUR action.

5. Lifestyle changes might mean a little more than self-distancing of 6ft.

Fuck Covid-19

The trust in ‘Pro’s’ got lost.

I think a lot of people became investigators off that reason alone.

If you want to change your disease and strengthen your mindset you will need a safe environment to do so. “If you run with dogs who limp you are going to limp!”

If you run with the big dogs and write ✍️ your thoughts on paper, you might just succeed depending on how much action you take☺

Remember everyone is different, your evidence-based treatment plan is going to be different than mine. What works best for you might be shitty for me.

I must remind myself all the time that healthcare professionals know more than me YES, but if I don’t tell them about my HONEST FEELINGS — how is anything going to help? How will any medication work? It will worsen your disease if you are not honest with your healthcare professionals. Lying about anything when it matters most might set you back -you might as well consider yourself like me, HOPING I feel better than I currently am Is an addiction itself.

I wake up wanting to feel better, I crave that normal mindset, and I want to numb my feelings 24/7 is what I told my doctor so she could understand that prescribing anything is only going to make it worse and if I don’t learn how to cope with my emotions rather then delay or rewire our brains differently It’s hard for me to want to be on any medication!

6. Remember, recovery is possible, and there is hope for a brighter future. By seeking help and taking steps towards managing your co-occurring disorders, you are making a positive and empowering decision.

7. Embrace the journey towards wellness and know that you deserve a life filled with happiness, fulfillment, and success.

Co-occurring anything is a complex and challenging issue in the field of mental health. Especially disorders that occur when an individual experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously.

It’s like having two battles to fight at once, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. I believe that addressing co-occurring disorders head-on can lead to even greater success and long-term well-being for individuals facing these challenges.

Co-occurring Disorders I juggle in my hands daily, but remembering the potential for transformation can always be in reach, it's just how bad do you want it?

8. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder can increase the risk of substance abuse.

While the substance abuse can worsen then the existing mental health symptoms arise or even trigger new ones.

It sounds like a great world to be involved with huh?

It’s a vicious cycle that can feel overwhelming I know, but don’t despair! With the right treatment approach that addresses both the mental health and substance use components, individuals can experience significant improvements in their overall well-being!

It’s like finding the perfect recipe for success, where each ingredient complements the other to create a truly transformative outcome.

9. Don’t be confused on what transformative steps you want to take in life.

I had to choose what I am while I mentorship at BBBS because I am a man who has been to hell and back a few times, I like to Mentor people. I wanted to inform my readers that I am a firm believer in people don't need medication.

It’s just finding the right M.A.T approach on how to become medication less, the side effects are way to strong and take you out of your imagination it seemed to me. Being on every SSRI, “Take this and tell me how you feel in a few weeks”- could be your biggest nightmare or could be your biggest savior its all on how you look at it or how you actually feel, so writing it down is going to be your best benefit!

10. Gratitude over attitude.

Now, you might be wondering, why should we be so optimistic about addressing co-occurring disorders? Well, my friend, the answer lies in the power of integrated treatment. By combining mental health therapy, medication management, and substance abuse counseling, individuals can receive comprehensive care that tackles both disorders simultaneously.

This approach not only increases the chances of successful recovery, but also empowers individuals to take control of their lives and build a solid foundation for long-term well-being. It’s like having a superhero team by your side, ready to support you every step of the way.

So let’s embrace the potential for transformation and triumph that comes with addressing co-occurring disorders because with the right support and treatment, the possibilities are truly limitless!

11. Paying It Forward

Have you ever heard of if you dont teach other’s you will lose everything you gained?

Well, I relapsed over 15 times, been to 7 rehabs, 3 detox centers, and 2 one year long sober livings — maybe more, I'm a pro in fuckupalotagy, I'm a sponsor, advocate, life-coach and all thanks to my actions towards my passion which is helping others I recently been studying Diaphragmic Breathing.

Deep breaths are our natural way to get high people and guess who wants to drop the hopeless dopefiend and become the dopest hope fiend Breath-Works COACH and M.A.T Advocate In town?

I am:)

I've been practicing now for months, I am a deep breather because of the shit I been through on top of my passion for helping, coaching, healing, I must master this task, I have mastered It myself, but it is way more of a Dopamine rush if we do it together!

I accept those deep breaths as empowerment, turning your breath into a pattern of breathing for 10 minutes just might release all the trauma’s and maybe you will receive answerers for what you been waiting for your entire life.

I do know it is very euphoric and healing.

My passion is helping people get through past traumas and understanding them might be a difficult task, but I have found out the hard way in life that the things you might think are the hardest and unreachable are actually the closest to you!

Thank you all for reading, If I can get a little clarification, you read all my articles by leaving a clap, I would appreciate it very much!

Ill be making a “how to breath” article & video, my next article so my readers can add more of a face to case:)

Love you all! Have a great day:) Forgiving is easier than holding grudges, accepting my diagnosis in my life is something I do one day at a time, and reading books and all your transformative articles Is a life changer! Thank you all so much for that you get your life-changing prescribed 📸 📖