?'s about bipolar...how does it affect recovery?

[hopeOct31]

Hi all,
I have been trying to get treatment for depression for multiple years. I think at some point in time I have taken most of the meds out there. Recently I have been feeling less depressed and I am excited that they finally figured out what I have and what I need. They think I have bipolar II, and it is the meds used to treat indiv. with bipolar that have improved things for me.

I have been active in AA for about a year and have 6mos sober. While I am abundantly greatful that they have found a combination of meds to treat my mental problems. The diagnosis of Bipolar makes me worry that this is more of a life long condition, which will affect my abilities to work the program consistently through out my life. I was hoping I had major depression due to drinking and/or getting sober.

Do individuals with bipolar experience any difficulties in AA due to their fluctuaing moods? I am truly committed to the AA program and know that for this alcoholic, following the guidance of daily prayer/mediation/etc. is necessary for me to stay sober. I have tried other ways and they do not work for me. I cannot afford to let my guard down and risk going back out. Based on where I left off with my drinking when I got sober, going back out would probably lead to death fair quickly. So going back out is not an option for me.

If anyone out there has experience with this I would love to hear from you. What is your experience as a person with bipolar and alcholism? Does that change your program?

Thanks to all for being here and being such a great resource for support.
Best wishes for all, HopeOct31

[best]

I don't know but I will share what I have seen.
Alcohol affects bipolar as well as other conditions. Removing alcohol can improve things and allow a Dr to figure things out much better.
I would think that a person finding balance with proper meds would do better at staying solid at anything they attempt.
Only downside I have seen and it is something that can be ignored...
You may run across a person or two out of 100 that try saying people are not sober who take meds for any reason...Well... They are wrong and should just be ignored as people who don't have a clue to what is what.
Listen to your Dr and if you run across such people...ignore them.

[Bozo]

I do not know much about bipolar. I know a lot about working an AA program. I do not have any research, but it does seem people become depressed after becoming sober, at some point. I was two years sober when I was hit with terrible anxiety attacks and depression, so yes it does happen.

As alkies, with all sorts of character defects(plus an overactive mind!!)it is so much better to focus on some of the AA slogans. One day at a time, this too shall pass, how important is it, keep it simple, easy does it, etc. Corny little sayings for sure, but a reasonable amount of comfort can be found by living them.

Back to bipolar, there is a little search box up on the right hand side, type in bipolar, I am sure you will find tons of information from past and present posters.

Good luck, and remember, today is all we have. MP

[IO Storm]

Bipolar Type I here.

I got 4 diagnoses before I would accept this disorder in October

2006.

My psychiatrist comforted me with this....

"Sherry...quite possibly this is the reason you have relapsed with one substance or another for 15 years...alcohol to calm down...amphetamines to pull yourslef up...possibly not being
diagnosed correctly has contributed to your struggle in your
efforts to stay sober"....

I fell into her arms and knew I heard truth....

I believe that now that I am stabilized....and monitored bi-monthly now...

That I can stay clean and sober...with God's help for the rest

of my life..one day at a time!

My best to YOU!!!

Love,

:

Sherry

[pedagogue]

Sherry,

I've heard stories like your's a lot. It is great when you can come across someone who is a great diagnostician, and/or someone who really pays attention to their patient's needs. It sounds harsh, but there are a lot of docs out there who are too quick to assert their brilliance, instead of doing a comprehensive workup and then Dx. Many times the meds given are the OPPOSITE of what they should be. (If you ever want to see something scary....give a bi-polar kid a moderate/high dose of Ritalin bc he was mis-diagnosed with ADD. It can cause the kid to cycle like you wouldn't believe, and it really can be rough for the child and the family)

-t

[IO Storm]

I know this...my career is a Child and Families SW......

Because I have seen the results of misdiagnosis...

I got 4 separate opinions....and my meds regime has been adjusted

a couple of times in the past seven months to see what works

best for me......it is important that we who have

found relief in any meds regime not purport our remedies

but advise others to see doctors and get second opinions.

It does not mean the person is a hypochondriac...

Just guarding their health.....

Thanks for your post..Pedagogue..

Love the signature...it is very true!

Love,

:

Sherry

[shutterbug]

HopeOct31,

The best informational resource I can suggest is a book called "A Brilliant Madness" by actress Patty Duke. The chapters alternate btwn her personal writings of her life affected by alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder and the chapters inbtwn are written by a clinical psychologist who's helps add awsome information to Patty Duke's story.

It was the first bipolar book I read 3 years ago and I still think about how much it helped me understand my illness. Most major books stores carry it and if not they will order it in for you. It's only $7 or $8 and well worth it in my opinion.

Hugs and best wishes,
Jenna

[IO Storm]

I think what was hard for me to accept was not my medical

doctor's tentative diagnosis of Bi Type II when I got clean

in June 2006, rather it was the confirmed diagnosis of Bi Type

I by 4 separate psychs in October. I went into the Beh Health

Crisis Unit....and evaluated by a psychologist, then 2 more

psychiatrists, then assigned to my current doctor who

made a firm diagnosis. She helped me to accept this as I

do my alcoholism and addictions.

I suppose I am in total acceptance now, and in total recovery.

And I am grateful.

Love,

:

Sherry