When I hit 21, I started going out to clubs and bars, drinking on several occassions. As I turned 22, I started drinking more and more. It always felt like alcholol would calm my head and slow down my thoughts. It would also make me extreamily hyper with all of this "great" energy. When I was 23, I discovered that I had bipolar disorder. Even though i've not been tested, I believe to have ADD as well (just can't afford the testing).

I am on 3 different types of medication. Although you are not supose to drink on medication, I do have a few beers every now and then. However, just like the posting previously to mine, one is never enough so I have to be really careful. The good thing is that when the medication really started to work, I craved a drink less and less. It's amazing how medication can cut the urge. Of course, it does not cure addiction but it makes a big difference in how much less you may want that "relaxing release". I thought I would share that thought to give some people hope that there is help out there.