Posted by jemma on August 28, 2003, at 11:27:31
In reply to Mania- what about Lithium? experience, posted by HenryO on August 28, 2003, at 9:28:56
I have bipolar one - no psychotic manias for twenty years, but occasional hypomanias - and I'm also a recovering alcoholic - ten years sober. I have a pretty good idea of how easy it is to reach for that first drink at the best of times, and how irresistible it is when manic. I've been very, very lucky to reach a place where I'm sober and more or less stable and functional.
I've found one supplement that will stop hypomania in its tracks for me - inositol. I swear, 500 grams three times a day will calm me right down and get my feet on the ground when I feel myself getting up there. I think of myself as a blender, with various speed settings. Inositol brings me down at least one, even two settings, from high to medium-high to medium. Now if only I could find something natural with few side effects that could get me to medium from low :>).
If you do a web search on inositol and bipolar, you'll see it's had proven results in various studies. I'm not sure why it works. Larry, could you shed some light?
Best of luck with your friend. If you've been in recovery all these years, I'm sure you understand the importance of detachment when dealing with the alcoholics we're close to. I found alanon to be a great help once when I got a little too enmeshed in someone else's illness. Not that I'm saying you're enmeshed - in fact, all I see in your posts is thoughtful concern.
- Jemma
poster:jemma
thread:254628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030828/msgs/255041.html