Bipolar Disorder & Addiction
Bipolar Disorder & Addiction
+ 🐕 From Cocaine to Canines, ⛽ Gas Station Heroin, ⚔️ David Gail's Battle with Addiction, 📺 Wendy Williams Update, & 🧑⚖️ Dealers Face Murder Charges.
Dear Friends,
As we traverse the often unpredictable landscape of recovery, a truth gradually unveils itself: the journey is as much about confronting our inner demons as it is about abstaining from substances. This was starkly illuminated for me some years ago when a friend, a stalwart in our shared path of sobriety, succumbed unexpectedly to a relapse. The event seemed to defy the slow, creeping nature typically associated with such setbacks. This friend, actively engaged in their recovery work, appeared to embody resilience despite noticeable large fluctuations in their demeanor. Yet, beneath the surface, a tempest brewed—a struggle not just with addiction but with an unseen adversary that lurked in the shadows.
This incident unveiled a profound truth: mental health issues, often silent and masked, can profoundly impact the trajectory of one’s recovery. The revelation that my friend was grappling with Bipolar Disorder—a condition prevalent within our community yet seldom discussed with the depth it demands—marked a pivotal moment in my understanding of recovery.
I wanted to go deeper on this issue, so I interviewed Rachael Dawkins, a clinical social worker whose expertise lies in navigating the complex interplay between addiction and Bipolar Disorder. Our conversation, rich with empathy and understanding, sought to unravel the nuances of this dual battle, highlighting the unique challenges and the resilience it fosters.
In this week's newsletter, I'm thrilled to present the conversation below, alongside the freshest updates from the world of addiction recovery. It's my hope that this interview not only illuminates the subject for those curious but also highlights the varied struggles within our community, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the diverse challenges some face.
Damon Frank
According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, up to 70 percent of people who meet the criteria for bipolar disorder also have a history of substance abuse - a percentage that far exceeds the general population.
Damon Frank talks with special guest Rachael Dawkins, a licensed clinical social worker. She sheds light on the nuances of bipolar disorder, distinguishing it from other conditions like ADHD, and discusses its often misunderstood symptoms. Rachael also explores the intertwined nature of bipolar disorder and substance abuse, providing valuable insights for those in recovery. Tune in for an informative discussion that aims to demystify bipolar disorder and offer hope and guidance for individuals navigating these challenges.
Problems viewing the video? You can also watch this on YouTube.
🗳️ In The News
From Cocaine to Canines: How A Rescue Dog Rewrote a Man's Destiny
Mike Favor's journey from a 13-year cocaine addiction to running a rescue center for abandoned and abused dogs on Staten Island is a testament to the healing power of compassion and purpose. After adopting a German shepherd puppy with a heart condition, Favor found solace and sobriety in caring for "two misunderstood breeds" - rescue dogs and recovering addicts - through his programs at Freedom Home. His story illustrates the transformative bond between humans and animals, where care for abused and neglected dogs parallels his own recovery, offering both a chance at a new lease on life. Favor's dedication to providing a sanctuary for dogs and a supportive community for people battling addiction highlights the profound impact of empathy and second chances.
Source URL: The New York Times
Maryland Father Sounds Alarm on Legal 'Gas Station Heroin' Ravaging Lives
In Maryland, a substance known as tianeptine, dubbed "gas station heroin" and sold under various brand names like Tianna, Pegasus, and Zaza, is causing concern due to its addictive nature and legality. A local father recounts his son's severe addiction to tianeptine, leading to a hospital visit and a car filled with over a hundred empty bottles of "Zaza Red," a product unfamiliar to even hospital staff. Despite not being approved for medical use in the U.S., tianeptine is readily available in smoke shops, gas stations, and online, presenting a growing problem as poison center calls increase and withdrawal symptoms mimic those of opioid addiction. With tianeptine under the radar of state leaders focused on the fentanyl crisis, families and some members of Congress are urging for awareness and regulatory action on this easily accessible and potentially lethal supplement.
Read the full article at WTOP News
Tragic Curtain Call: David Gail's Battle with Addiction Ends in Heartbreak
David Gail, famed for his roles in "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Port Charles," succumbed to a fatal heart attack, compounded by his struggles with drug abuse, his mother Mary Painter reveals. An autopsy showed Gail's system contained a cocktail of amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol, and fentanyl, highlighting the severe impact of his opioid addiction, which began with prescription medication for post-surgery pain. Painter's heartfelt statement underscores her son's prolonged battle with addiction, shedding light on the broader crisis of pharmaceutical dependency and the devastating fentanyl epidemic. David Gail's journey from a celebrated TV actor to becoming an emblematic figure of the addiction epidemic serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll behind the public health crisis.
Read the full article at The Wrap
Wendy Williams' Battle Beyond the Spotlight: A Family's Vigil and the Quest for Recovery
Her private battle with alcohol addiction and health issues, such as Graves' disease and lymphedema, have overshadowed Wendy Williams' once-brilliant career and stoked her family's worries about losing her. Williams' situation is serious, with family tensions, an anti-alcohol stance, and the star's pushback against those who are trying to help, according to an exclusive reveal by PEOPLE. The Lifetime documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?" transitions from a comeback story to a raw depiction of her battles, questioning the impact of its own filming on her well-being. Amidst a backdrop of past on-air incidents and personal losses, Williams' ongoing journey in a wellness facility underscores a fraught path to recovery, with her family and legal guardian at the helm of her care.
Read the full article at People.com
San Francisco Takes Bold Step in Drug Crisis: Dealers Face Murder Charges
In a groundbreaking move, San Francisco, following the lead of other California counties, is set to launch a task force aimed at prosecuting drug dealers with murder charges for fentanyl-related deaths. This legal pivot seeks to curb the opioid epidemic that claimed over 7,300 lives in California in 2022 by imposing more severe penalties on fentanyl dealers. Despite previous efforts, including a state of emergency in the Tenderloin district and increased law enforcement action, drug overdose deaths, predominantly involving fentanyl, have surged to record highs. Critics argue that this aggressive approach may not address the root causes of addiction and overdose deaths, suggesting a need for comprehensive solutions that include affordable housing, effective treatment, and broader access to Narcan.
Read the full article at the LA Times