Originally Posted by
doorknob 
I agree that is true for many. Also, people who have mental disorders are more predisposed to seek chemicals to self-medicate. And I believe using too much can throw the limbic system out of wack as well, thus creating an addict.
When a pyschologist at the intake crisis unit at Behavioral Health made an
initial diagnosis of severe bipolar type II...
4 months after I was clean
and sober..I refused to accept it. No, not me! I knew I had problems, sure.
A lot of wreckage...some compulsive behaviors..anxiety...periods of
depression. I sat there, bawling my eyes out, and asked for another diagnosis.
I got it..a week later..with my current psychiatrist. Severe BP type I !!!!
I had been climbing the walls for a week, and the mood swings...so
rapid. She explained that I probably had been self medicating my moods
for quite a long time. I looked into her compassionate eyes and saw..the truth.
And acceptance kicked in.
Looking back...my first depressive episode was at puberty.
My first drink..at 12. It made my stomach burn, my bones ache..then I felt
goooood. Then I asked for another please. Didn't get it. One glass of wine.
It knocked me out.
Explains a whole lot, looking back....
Thanks Splendra.