From Schizophrenia / Addiction, through Treatment, to Success: Carson's Story

Written By Randye Kaye

Show Notes

Episode 22- From Schizophrenia and Pot Addiction, through Treatment, to Success: Carson's Story

Today we  talk with  Carson S. , who has an inspiring story to tell, from schizophrenia/addiction to sobriety/recovery success.  We talk about his life….what it used to be like, what his challenges have been (addiction/intrusive thoughts/SMI) , and how he is doing now…..and what advice he might give to others who need to have hope.

Mimi and I met Carson last week at a gathering at Rob Laitman’s home for his patients and families (see episode 18)  

  • What happened when you were using marijuana?

  • Did you realize that was an abnormal response?

  • As your symptoms progressed, what did you think was happening?  Did you even suspect mental illness?

  • Did your parents or family know what was going on?  What about teachers or friends?  Did they suspect anything?

  • When was it that you finally realized you had a problem?

  • Did you ever “hear voices”? If you did, could you tell they weren’t real?

  • What other symptoms did you recognize?

  • Were you afraid of the medication? Afraid of the doctors?

  • Since we know you finally ended up on clozapine, you must have had a rough journey on previous medications?  Tell us about that.

  • How was clozapine different?

  • When did you notice improvement?  Were there specific things that changed or were different?

  • You spent a year at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center - what was that like?

  • Have you had any challenges with wanting to use marijuana?

  • What’s your life like today?

  • It is very difficult to recover from the dual diagnosis of BOTH addiction and serious mental illness. 

  • But as of today you seem to be managing this.  How did you do it? 

  • What do you want other families to know?

Who Are the 3 Moms?

Randye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)

Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It”

Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“)

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/8982002

Randye Kaye

Randye Kaye is a world-renowned female voice talent for business and beyond. She is the author of two books; Happier Made Simple™ and Ben Behind His Voices. As an actress she has appeared in numerous theatrical, film and television performances. Randye is a keynote speaker on the topics of mental health, communication, and happiness.

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Episode 23- You Are not Alone - Stories of Family emotional Journey with SZ
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Tools of Hope: Family Empowerment and Care Coordination in Mental Illness