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>I ave ben diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. I >apparently have had it for many years. To quell the >ups and downs of this disorder I started using codeine >from the age of 22; I am 38 now. I knew I had a >problem with addiction; that is the first step to >recovery admitting that you need help to rid yourself >of these iniquitous masking agents; as they affect >peformance, relationships and responsibility. > >In relationship to Doctors (General Practitioners) it >is rather difficult to find a GP that will even >entertain the thought of referring you; once you >dicuss your problem as Schedule 8 addiction dupe; as >their opinion is rather subjective eg. "this >individual is rather fucked up and he / she will shop >around for S8 medicines for sure; so their plight is >unavailing" This opinion is cui bono and conceited to >the GP's farrago. Generally if the GP is not >interested in your plight; then the GP will recommend >counselling and that is generaly useless on its own; >then you have wasted your time and money; and you then >leave the Doctors Surgery unsatisfied and despondent. > >However if you have a GP that you have known since >childhood or for period where you have struck up a >good relationship with; then the GP will give you a >list of Psychiatrist's to ring as potential referals; >but remember to give the Secretary the GP's name as >the referee. Two important rules when choosing a >Psychiatrist; make sure the consultant Psychiatrist is >a female as they are more understanding towards your >plight and are far easier to talk to. Second is the >give the Secretary information that is only required >eg. GP referal, date of birth and address DO NOT tell >the Secretary that you wish to see the Psychiatrist >about substance abuse as the call will end there and >then as they vet the appraisal of the call; make up >some other issue eg depression ect. > >I went through this process of regularly seeing the >Psychiatrist initally once a fortnight (she was even >concerned enough to give me her mobile phone # if I >have fallen off of the rails so she could come over >and see me to have a chat and discuss the precursor to >the occurance) and with couselling it works a treat. >Make sure that you have top private medical cover; as >in Australia we have Government funded Medicare >facilities though they are good; you are exposed to >many fruit loops; and you do not have your own private >room and the meals are ordinary; as you will have to >admit yourself to a rehab centre for at least a month >depending on your adiction circumstances. I hope this >helps and my heart goes out to you if you wish to >discuss this action plan further I would be happy to >respond to your emails

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