Any one struggle with dual diagnosis here. Is it harder to maintain sobriety especially with trauma triggers?
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I have suffered similar issues PTSD, major depressive disorder, cross addiction and I attract "Toxic" people.
Lets face it not terrible when you meditation becomes your addiction, what your left with is a life that wants you to fail without a spiritual awakening and a complete lifestyle change.
The cliche is "two wrongs don't make a right", but in this case it's not true lean on people that understand what you're going through and let them lean on you. Together, with the right boundaries, we can overcome all things.
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It gets easier. At least it has for me. I still definetly get triggered, but I'm learning how to deal with them, sponsor, other sober friends, therapy. Hope it gets easier for you.
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It’s a struggle because all co occurring need treatment at the same time. It’s great that rehabs now focus on trauma too. I just left one and they have trauma groups. So helpful
I just left one as well. And then straight to sober living. It's even a struggle to not get sucked back into toxicity. I have to remind myself that those people are not my enemy, so I won't resent them, but they too have demons they still struggle with. Boundaries and loving from a distance is key for me.
I also have a TBI
Hi Margaret! I have Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD and anxiety. What I can say is that coping with my other diagnoses is much easier sober. Early sobriety can be tough, as you learn how to cope in a totally different way, but once you iron in those new coping mechanism things get easier. I highly recommend working with a mental health professional as you navigate these early times, as they can provide alternative tools for you. It is totally worth it though! Ultimately alcohol and drugs just makes everything worse. If you ever want to chat more in depth you’re welcome to send me a message!
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Thank you! I will message you
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I'm still waiting for it to get easier to deal with it all and I've come up empty handed. I suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, and gender dysphoria. On top of all that I am addicted to crystal meth and I love to smoke weed. Anything that takes me out of here for awhile and also masks my pain and suffering. Let it be etched on my gravestone that when I died I finally found peace.
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Is there any other support in your family? Is sound like you are really struggling. 
they say the miracle is right around the corner and I believe it
The only support I get from family is when I occasionally call my mom.
Well, honey, I'm diagnosed with both PTSD AND codependency/addictive personality. But it seems to me that the only answers I ever got in all my studies and all my experiences came via a Spiritual avenue!!!
My Keurig machine is my higher power in the morning 
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Nectar of the gods!!!
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The way doctors treated an old opioid addiction made sure I'll never go back for help, but I still have nightmares about dozing on bad drugs. Makes me want alcohol. 
I don't know if that's what it is but It almost never leaves my head.
PTSD 
from a lot of family dysfunction. I was 100% coping with alcohol bc I never learned the correct coping mechanisms to control my anxiety and codependency. Coping skills and life balance are HUGE! I am also going to be doing EMDR soon. Talk therapy and meetings are great but true trauma needs to be dealt with on a deeper level and we must be patient with ourselves. I will let you know how the sessions go when I get there
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Thank you! I would love to hear how the sessions go. Mine comes from family dysfunction also.
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I’m sorry you’re suffering so. I hope you can find the help you want.
Agree! Similar paths. Group therapy helped a ton too to mainstream me into socializing better.
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Early sobriety is always going to be tough but as said earlier, if you have coexisting mental conditions ( I have 4 ) drugs and alcohol will always, 100% of the time, make things worse and never better in the long run. With more and more time clean the mental issues have gotten easier and easier to mange and in some cases are virtually symptom free. The key for me was the spiritual journey and the cleaning of my soul via the 12 steps. Trying to help others keeps my mind off my own issues. Good luck