AA and bipolar disorder...a question

[SummerBreeze]

Hi, I have been reading thru some of the posts on the board and found a link about what to expect at an AA meeting. I attended a meeting a while back but was told by a couple of girls I talked to that it would be best for me to not mention the fact that I have bipolar disorder and take meds or some members may voice opinions that I am not considered fully sober because of being on "mind altering drugs". These were women who offered their phone numbers and I did call them. That just about turned me against AA. After reading the portion in the link about "AA and Psychiatry... The Question of Medications", I was glad to know that it is not any AA literature that states prohibiting taking required prescription medication. I guess the question I do have is when I do get a sponsor am I to not say anything about having bipolar disorder? Self medicating can be a big thing with mental illness, how do I not deal with that part of "me" and still go thru all of the steps? I know there may be some there who do feel that way and they have a right to their opinions. Do those of you with bipolar disorder who attend AA meetings find this to be a problem? If so, how do you handle it? I'd think I'd like to go back, the program seems to be one of the best...I just need to feedback I guess. Thanks!

[barb dwyer]

Originally Posted by SummerBreeze

I guess the question I do have is when I do get a sponsor am I to not say anything about having bipolar disorder?

I know there may be some there who do feel that way and they have a right to their opinions.

Hi, Summerbreeze, and welcome.

It looks like you kinda answered your own question for now.
When talking to someone about sponsorship, my opinion is: just be honest.
The more honest we are with a sponsor, the easier it is for both HP's to work through us for the benefit of the other.
If you DO run into a potential sponsor who DOES have reservations, then they can more than likely turn you on to someone who they know doesn't have those same reservations.

Remember - you're not on meds to escape or cop a buzz - you're on meds to compensate for a chemical imbalance ... not copping, but coping.

This is a program of rigorous honesty.
My own home group is quite open about their acceptance of the medical needs of recovery.
The more I read these forums, the more I appreciate that acceptance.
Here is exactly where I need to be.
I'm often overwhelmed with gratitude that HP put me in the place where I am.

And congratulations - you've already done the hardest part - you showed up. And it sounds like you plan to keep showing up.
So very many don't even make it that far. Good for you!

'The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.'
One Step At A Time.
We'll all be dancing before we know it.
Hope that helps.

[CarolD]

Welcome to our AA Forum!


I do hope you will attend AA
and
before you choose a sponsor..read the booklet

"Questions and Answers on Sponsorship"

About a third of my home group are daily taking various
meds..including me.

While sharing in a meeting we try to stay on topic
so meds are not the focus but often mentioned

Between members..as sponsors and or friends..it's no
big deal...we talk on many aspects of our lives.

After the Big Book was written Bill W did experiment with
LSD to combat his life long depression.

Glad you asked...Let us know how you are doing..

[CarolD]

Here is more on Sponsorship...

AA Thought for the Day

October 6, 2006

Sponsorship

An AA sponsor is not a professional caseworker
or counselor of any sort. . .
A sponsor is simply a sober alcoholic
who can help solve only one problem:
how to stay sober.
And the sponsor has only one tool to use --
personal experience, not scientific wisdom.
Sponsors have been there, and often have more concern,
hope, compassion, and confidence for us
than we have for ourselves. . .
Remembering their own condition,
they reach out to help, not down.


Reprinted from Living Sober, Page 27, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

[scootinbabe]

i don't know how many in my home group are taking meds--but i know that there are many. most are on anti-depressants.

my brother is bipolar, so i have some experience with it. my advice is to absolutely positively never go off your meds unless you are under a doctor's care and s/he knows all the details of your medical history including alcoholism. going off bipolar meds is dangerous. do not do it and do not listen to people who may not know what you are up against. follow a doctor's advice.

[SummerBreeze]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I feel more comfortable now going to the meetings. I found one online that meets everynight! I'm going to call the local # to make sure they still do. I think I need to go everyday for a while. I'm on my 3rd day of not drinking. It feels great!...although I'm tired and my sleep is messed up, mentally it's a very good feeling!

[BlueMoon]

I'm bi-polar and sober 14 yrs ... MY viewpoint is that me taking MEDICATION for a mental ILLNESS is the SAME as a diabetic needing insulin. In both cases, there's an organ that just doesn't function right without medical help. The brain is JUST AN ORGAN even tho we use it for thinking, WE CANNOT CONTROL IT ANY MORE THAN A DIABETIC CAN CONTROL THEIR PANCREAS BY SHEER WILL POWER!!!

There's nothing to be ashamed of or to keep secret. Not all people will understand or agree and THAT is THEIR perogative!

~Blue

[Cathy31]

Summer
Good for you! Glad you got what you needed...of course being bi-polar and taking your meds *as prescribed* is totally ok!!! it's when we start *self* medicating that's a problem...I was feeling off colour this morning and guess what popped into my mind- I wonder if I took double my dose of meds today...would that work, I'm sure I missed a dose recently...whoa!!!!! Amazing hey! I am 6 months sober now thorugh the grace of God and the AA program, so it's early days...but just shows one, "my mind is out to get me" loL!!

good luck and keep posting!!

love
cath
xxx