meli2005

My AH is an alcoholic. He has really been struggling. Recently was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder which could explain some of his crazy antics this summer (leaving rehab centers, etc).

Anyway, he maintained sobriety for 2 weeks and then the other night decided to drink a half pint of vodka (a low amt for him). He said he was experimenting with it. I told him he doesn't need to intellectualize everything, etc. He says sometimes he wishes he could jsut drink a glass or two of wine and stop, etc. Are these normal feelings/actions of an alcoholic, etc?

He is on medications for the bipolar and it is helping with the cravings (lessening them significantly). Moods are stablizing, but he has only been on it for three weeks now and they just increased his medications again.

Dan

Yeah, wishing I could have just one glass of wine with a fine dinner...
Or wishing I could go out with the gang and just have one or two...
People who don't have a problem with alcohol most likely don't have to wish that.

So yeah, I think a lot of us alcoholics have these thoughts. I know I do.
As far as your husband experimenting, well, just for me, that seems to indicate he still doesn't want to accept alcohol is a problem for him.
That too, is a common trait for people like him and I.

The thought that this time, I'll keep control.
Oh, I'm sure some do return to a kind of normal drinking. At least, that's what I've heard and read. I certainly tried, after a many months of abstinence. The only thing I proved by trying again was that drinking was still a no win proposition for me.

I'd also like to caution you and your husband about mixing alcohol and meds.
The former often cancels out the benefits of the latter, not to mention potential health risks.
Good luck to you both.

meli2005

Thanks, Dan. My AH says he realizes this is bad thinking. I told him just to try to pay attn to those thoughts and to realize they are not healthy thoughts, etc.

Dan, is this very common amongst all alcoholics or most?

I think it is denial trying to come into the picture. I think he does realize he does realize he has a problem with alcohol, but these thoughts pop up in the picture. At the rehab center they call them errs in thinking.

ASpouse

I think in AA they call that 'stinkin' thinkin' also.

CarolD

newly sober I tried everything to justify my 'problem'

Not until I faced the truth..

I was addicted to alcohol and it was going to kill me

was I able to quit and stay that way.

I used AA and the info from
'Under The Influence' by Milam & Ketcham

to face reality.

Blessings...