DUAL DIAGNOSIS CALLS FOR TREATMENT

Dual-diagnosed individuals have two medically diagnosed conditions. An
example in the mental health arena would be manic depressive/drug addicted.
Manic depressives experience mood swings from deep despondence to high
anxiety. Some manic depressives self-medicate with alcohol or "downers"
to relieve anxiety and "uppers" -- speed, cocaine or crystal meth -- to
elevate themselves out of depression.

Suicides and other forms of self-harm often occur when a rapid mood swing
occurs. It is similar to an airplane that runs out of fuel mid-flight. The
result is a rapid descent resulting in a crash.

Many of history's most talented inventors and artists were undiagnosed manic
depressives.

Unfortunately, many in our society have closed their eyes to the plight of
the mentally ill. They feel that mental illness and the tendency to become
addicted are results of ungodliness or the products of a weak mind.
Actually, both are hereditary.

Isn't it about time we opened our hearts and minds to the plight of the
mentally ill and the suffering addict? Through education, prison reform and
the enlightenment of our Legislature, these members of society can receive
medical rather than penal treatment.

With this approach we may witness the birth of many a new da Vinci, van Gogh
and Toulous-Lautrec.

Michael Spiker

OCCC