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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Nirfoochile on March 23, 2004, at 3:29:38
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Dirsorder and I am in the depressive stage. After a month of isolating myself, I watched a movie with some friends and had a couple beers. I didn't feel any effects of the beer, but just having something in my hand made me less nervous. Two days later, I had two more beers. I told my mom about it this morning and she flipped. She said that I shouldn't be drinking period with my problem. I didn't feel any different. Should I not drink the rest of my life? It seems a little extreme to me. Any advice you can offer would be helpful
Posted by T_R_D on March 23, 2004, at 9:50:48
In reply to Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by Nirfoochile on March 23, 2004, at 3:29:38
I'm Bipolar and drinking REALLY screws me up. It can affect the meds you're on too. I suspect that having a small amount every once in a while might be okay but to do on a regular basis would be devastating for me. I have self-medicated for years...it's integral to my illness.
Have you self-medicated? Do you drink regularly?
Posted by Nirfoochile on March 24, 2004, at 12:11:28
In reply to Re: Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by T_R_D on March 23, 2004, at 9:50:48
Thank you for your response. I don't really drink on a regular basis, but if alcohol is available, I usually have a drink or two. When I was younger, however, I abused drugs and alcohol.
Posted by jdgjdg on March 25, 2004, at 20:53:48
In reply to Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by Nirfoochile on March 23, 2004, at 3:29:38
I also have Bp. I feel like drinking alcohol, even in moderation makes me feel really depressed the next day. Also, if you are on meds, you should probably stay away from alcohol. Could be a bad combo. Jenn
Posted by CrazyGuy on March 26, 2004, at 16:38:22
In reply to Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by Nirfoochile on March 23, 2004, at 3:29:38
Just thought I'd post my 2 cents: It's been 10 years since I was first diagnosed as bipolar. I've drank pretty regularly for the last 5 years or so (~2 drinks/day, more if I'm out with friends and have gotten drunk several times (generally when celebrating one thing or another with friends) during this period). During this time, I've mostly been on medications for BD. My pdocs (I've had several during this time due to moves, job changes, etc.) know about my use of alcohol and only one recommended that I cut down/stop (and he suggested that I use a prescription drug as a substitute for my preference to unwind with some wine during dinner!?!). I think I have my alcohol use under control (supposedly <14 drinks/week is "low risk" for a man under 65 and there is some evidence to suggest that moderate alcohol use protects against some forms of cardiovascular disease), but there have been times when I've probably overdone it and used alcohol to self-medicate during a depressed episode. When I've done that, I've found that I feel like s*** the next day and then back off for a while. Basically, this is a long way of saying that I *DON'T* think that a diagnosis of BD requires lifelong abstinence from alcohol, ASSUMING that you're on some meds that are working for you. I *DO* think if you've got this disorder and choose to drink, you should keep an eye on your patterns/use and consider letting your doctor know about your use. Also, just FYI, in her book "An Unquiet Mind", Kay Redfield Jamison (PhD) mentions several times (casually) her use of alcohol (in social situations) in the period since she's gotten her BD under control. She's literally written the "the" clinical textbook on BD, so if she's using alcohol, why not you? But everybody's different and those with a personal or family history of alcohol abuse may choose to abstain. And, of course, anybody who decides that he/she can self-medicate with alcohol alone is SERIOUSLY asking for trouble....
Posted by Nirfoochile on March 26, 2004, at 22:04:41
In reply to Re: Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by CrazyGuy on March 26, 2004, at 16:38:22
Thank you again for your post. I have come to the conclusion that I have a problem with alcohol soon as I realized that I was drinking more and more. 2 beers quickly turned into an entire bottle of champagne + 1 beer. That same night I was trying my hardest not to throw up. The next day I felt like my life was unraveling. I have hurt my family over and over with my addiction. If one repeats a mistake at nauseum regardless of the consequences, that person has an addiction. That is me. I'm not willing to jeopardize my recovery to a stable mood by drinking anymore.
P.S. I also read an Unquiet Mind. It is amazing how Kay depicts mania and depression. I didn't feel so alone after reading it. I thought I could either be a victim or fight this thing. Also, the fact that she has been successful gives me hope. Thanks again for your response and everyone else that has responded.
Posted by T_R_D on April 1, 2004, at 10:50:27
In reply to Re: Bipolar Disorder and Drinking, posted by Nirfoochile on March 26, 2004, at 22:04:41
Hi, me again! A bit later...I haven't been to this board in a while. When reading your response to me and I heard that you had a prior problem with abuse a very loud bell went off in my head. It said, "DON'T DRINK!" Maybe I'm overstepping some boundaries but having been there myself for years I know how slippery the slope can be. If you can at all stay away, I think you'll be healthier and happier for it. In fact, I'm sure of it.
Best of luck,
Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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