Hey all... This will be as brief as I can make it but it's still gonna be long. Sorry in advance. My general info: 45 yr old male...I am Bi-Polar, ADHD, OCD. Dual Diagnosis [recovering] addict...alcohol & opiates, & suffer chronic/permanent sciatic nerve pain [post surgical] Married 19 yrs [together with wife 24 years] 2 sons...oldest has Aspergers...youngest has ADD

I was diagnosed as manic-depressive in 1981..was hospitalized for attempted suicide..was given meds for 3 years then went off after graduating high school in 1984. Started abusing alcohol & drugs in 1977 at the age of 11 after I suffered a very traumatic event [won't say here now]...From 1984 until 2006 I went undiagnosed...I sought no help...& my life, relationships with family, friends & my wife suffered. My wife & I almost divorced in 2006 but agreed to try marriage counseling. Our therapist is also a licensed psychologist and holds board certification in Couples and Family Psychology; with specialization in ADD/ADHD and bipolar disorder. He has been a life-saver.

I am on meds: Lamictal, Seroquel & Trazodone. They are helping somewhat. I went to a alcohol & drug rehab that specializes in Dual Diagnosis [addiction+mental disorder[s]+chronic pain], did 30 days then went straight into transitional housing when I returned home from out of state. I have been sober for almost 6 months [sober date 1/6/11] I am now back at home with my wife & kids; go to 4-5 AA/NA meetings a week, go to a post-rehab outpatient therapy group once/week & meet with an addictions therapist once a week as well.

So...what do I need? Well...I am having recurring nightmares due to PTSD. I have sleep issues because of this...as well as racing thoughts [can't turn my brain off]...wife & I are sleeping in separate rooms [multiple reasons]...I am going through Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms from my addiction[s]...we are still having many marital issues that have yet to be resolved...

But Wait! There's More! I lost my younger brother to Cancer last Sept 3rd...So...I have unresolved grief, Post Acute Withdrawals, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bi-Polar, ADHD, OCD, marriage is iffy & am only 5+ months sober. ....what do I address first? So many of my problems are so intertwined their like the Gordian Knot. I can't sleep worth a #@%!, when I do I have nightmares & wake up in a cold sweat...often crying or screaming.

.....so if there's anyone out there who has some advice for me, I sure would love to hear it! Help me Obi Wan Kenobi.... Thank you in advance

Illuminati

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