Curious to know....

[CrackQuack]

How closely the diseases of Bipolar and Addiction are related. We seem to exhibit similar symptoms. My Mom was diagnosed with Bipolar about 15 or so, years ago. She's been on a lot of medications since then, and still will have episodes.
I know my mind works in similar ways as well, especially when I am high. But when I am not, I still notice the same tendency to be obsessive and compulsive. Mood swings. Nothing near as serious as my Mom's, but things along the same lines.
I don't want to be on medications, though. Cannot afford them, even if I did.
But, in general, how many people notice that addicts follow patterns similarly to that? Is that maybe how we became addicts in the first place? We found something to obsess and be compulsive over, and that thing just happened to be drugs/alcohol?
Much like how Mom goes on spending sprees, or I will delve myself so deeply into the computer or my business that I loose track of time?
Any ideas, opinions, thoughts, or facts? Wonder if there has ever been a study done?? Anyone know??
Thank you!

[nandm]

This is info from the Bi Polar Handbook by Wes Burgess. More on this book can be found in the thread titled "bipolar facts"

Does Bipolar disorder cause physical health problems?
Yes. Persons with bipolar disorder have more heart problems than the rest of the population. They also have more headaches, particularly migraine headaches. Migraines are even more common in bipolar depression than in common, unipolar major depression.

Bipolar disorder also increases the risk for substance abuse and addiction: 60 to 80 percent of people with bipolar disorder will suffer from alcoholism or drug abuse during their lives.

Overall, the death rate is higher in people with bipolar disorder, especially those receiving insufficient treatment. Compared with the rest of the population, people with bipolar disorder experience more accidental injuries and deaths, particularly from motor vehicle accidents.

[CrackQuack]

Holy crap on a cracker. I may have to go see a doctor. I DO have more migraines than most people I know, and my withdrawals from crack were about 2 weeks of migraines. I think 10 days. I don't pay attention to time too well with a migraine. I just know it was a long azz time. Thanks for the quotes and I'll have to get obsessive on the internet and research more into it.

[Overman]

I just wanted to point out that most current research does NOT say that Bipolar d/o CAUSES substance abuse/addiction...but that the two conditions are simply corollated.

They have a strong tendency to co-exist.

[nandm]

Thanks Overman....I don't believe the Dr. meant to imply that alcoholism causes bipolar any more than bipolar causes alcoholism. I think he was merely pointing out that the risks of alcoholism and drug addiction increase dramatically for bipolar individuals.

[CrackQuack]

Yeah, I certainly took it to mean that way (they co-exist- not one causes the other). It was just something I had been observing on the "side"...And wanted to know if anyone else had ever wondered the same things..

[Freedom1990]

Originally Posted by CrackQuack

Holy crap on a cracker. I may have to go see a doctor. I DO have more migraines than most people I know, and my withdrawals from crack were about 2 weeks of migraines. I think 10 days. I don't pay attention to time too well with a migraine. I just know it was a long azz time. Thanks for the quotes and I'll have to get obsessive on the internet and research more into it.

Just as a side note, I have suffered from chronic migraines since the age of 19 (I'm now 50) and I am not bipolar.

[scott]

I have done a lot of research on the co-morbidity of bipolar disorder and substance use disorder. Those with Bi-Polar Disorder are 80% more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than those without. I don't have a source for my information but I remember reading it in a scholarly journal. I think it was the New England Journal of Medicine or something like that.

[CrackQuack]

Cool. Thank you, everyone, for the information. I DO need to find the source of my migraines. I think the recent ones were due to withdrawals. I am not sure. I hadn't had them in a long time, probably 6 months or so, before I finally got true to myself and actually quit smoking crack. But with both Bipolar (mom AND dad) and schizophrenia (dad) in the family, plus two suicides (uncle- who was addicted to cocaine- and dad), I probably should see a doctor and see if there is anything wrong. I don't want to take medications though. If I have to, I have to, but I'd rather not.
Happy Easter everyone!!!!

[MyItalianLove]

As someone who has bipolar run in the family, I def. recommend seeing someone since mental health issues might run in yours as well. Also, just keep in mind, it's good to have an open mind! If medications are something you need, then at least think about it. I know I will probably spend the rest of my life on medications for my disorder, but I'm okay with that. I like who I am. The medications don't make me who I am, but rather help me be the best person I can be. Sure, it took some time to find the right combination for me, but I know I do not want to go back to the insanity that my life was without them. Best of luck to you!

[Toomutch]

I've been told by my psychiatrist that untreated bipolar disorder will worsen over time. The fact that your mother is bipolar and you have similar symptoms is something to check into IMO.

In my opinion those who are mentally ill have a tendency to became alcoholic to mask the discomfort that they are feeling.

[CrackQuack]

Originally Posted by Toomutch

I've been told by my psychiatrist that untreated bipolar disorder will worsen over time. The fact that your mother is bipolar and you have similar symptoms is something to check into IMO.

In my opinion those who are mentally ill have a tendency to became alcoholic to mask the discomfort that they are feeling.

Well, I will do my best to seek out a professional and get an evaluation. I am sure, since it runs on both sides of the family, there is little doubt that I am showing signs of it and will probably have to take meds or find an alternative solution.
I had never had a problem with alcohol. Recently told my boyfriend if he wants a beer or two every now and again, to go ahead. I'll still drink soda since my sponsor recommended I stay away from all drugs to stay clean. But I always felt it was punishment to him for a crime he didn't commit even though he had offered to not drink too. My problem, drugs wise, is crack cocaine. I hid in that. *sighs*
Now I am awake and I can truly feel my feelings and I am more aware of others feelings once again. It's a little scary, but at least I am being true to myself.
Thank you.