MatteaRuth

I can accept I am an alcoholic, that I cannot control how much I drink when I drink. I go to AA meetings and find them somewhat helpful. My problem is that I have a history of mental illness that I have problems accepting and I think I like to ignore this and just focus on alcoholism because it is easier.

I have had multiple suicide attempts, multiple Electrochock (ECT) treatments, severe psychosis and have been diagnosed bipolar, schizoaffective, major depression.

When AA talks of sanity I think AA can cure everything but I know this is false deep down inside. AA is concerned with drinking and alcohol, not mental illness.

I have trouble differentiating between "dry drunk" and mental illness, between "restless and irritable and discontent" and mental illness.

Please help. Thanks!

JadedGirl

Sorry you've had such an awful time. It's hard differentiating between mental illness and alcohol dependence / withdrawal sometimes coz they overlap and effect each other to such a huge extent. You'll get lots of support here tho Hun x

Anna

Are you being treated for the mental illnesses that you've been diagnosed with. I would think that a treatment plan which included medication for the mental illnesses, along with AA, would be the best way to go.

MatteaRuth

I have some medication that I can use on an as needed basis. For some reason I got it in my mind that AA will cure ALL emotional problems.

doggonecarl

Welcome to SR. I think sobriety is a foundation you need upon which you can start addressing your mental health issues. See a mental health professional for that.

Let AA deal with your drinking.

JadedGirl

If only Hun (hugs). Maybe you should ask about regular medication or therapy. Sounds like you've been diagnosed with quite serious mental illness and you need some support with that also x

SoberCAH

Glad you are here.

I have found that, in AA, we are largely a mixed bag when it comes to these types of issues.

Soberwolf

Welcome

I agree with Anna

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum!!

Dee74

Hi Mattea

we used to have a lady hear called Carol - many years recovery...she used to say 'when I want my car fixed, I go to a mechanic...when I want my recovery fixed, I turn to AA'.

She might have added 'when I have to deal with mental illness I go to my Dr'.

I would never presume to tell someone how to treat their illness. I believe the best treatment for mental illness lies within the medical profession

D

omenapt

to me, AA simply frees you up so that you can better cope or manage your issues at hand

Randola

I am an alcoholic and was diagnosed as Bipolar 2 w/rapid cycling in late 90's. I fought the mental illness label for nearly a decade, but have been medication compliant for about 5 years now.

One thing is for sure, at least for me. Not taking care of mental illness AND drinking/using is much worse than either on their own. They are independent entities but will feed on each other.

Nice to meetcha

Randola

One more thing. The one time that I was really starting to put some sober time together and was working the steps and getting better, I relapsed because I wasn't taking care of my bipolar.

One manic episode sent me out drinking because I was simply unable to rationally deal with AA at the moment. I know, at least for me, that I don't have a prayer of long term sobriety if I'm not taking care of my bipolar.

Anewyear

Hi mattearuth!
Congrats on being here and welcome as well! I am newly sober myself (16 days), so I don't have tons of insight. Do you see a specialist regarding your mental illness? The reason I ask is I know many specialists near me that treat all that you are dealing with. (Ex psychiatrist/ addiction specialist) they treat patients battling all you shared. So if you have one I would talk about your thoughts... They can help you figure out what is going on so that you can keep working on your sobriety. Hugs!!!!

JanieJ

Welcome to the family, MatteaRuth x