An alcoholic or an addict is an addict for the rest of Their lives, even if they don't pick up drink or drugs,okay Theil be a RECOVERING addict but still they have to live with that indefinitely..but how does bi polar compare to an addict or alcoholic? Mental illness isn't the same as addiction, even if it is drug induced.. An addict has to learn to live life without mind altering substances "medication" where as a person with bi polar needs to learn to live life WITH the help of mind altering substances "MEDICATION".. There is such a difference their worlds apart.. That was my field of work, I'm a 12 step Minnesota counsellor "well I WAS" I retired to be there 110% for my fiancé.. She is currently undergoing R.E.D.T therapy..this is a new approach that hasn't been tried.. The success rate is apparently very good so I'm hoping & praying for her..it's so intense she can't have ANY visitors for a fortnight, not even me..I'm not to happy about that,BUT on the plus side,if it helps her it will be worth it. She's breaking her heart because she can't see me,even phone calls are limited.. Usually we spend the whole night on the phone together, or as much time as we can, but that has had to stop..the rules are so strict in this new clinic..it must be for a good reason though.. It's a 42 day treatment plan,Let's see how it goes..it's hard, so hard,I hate her being upset,I wish I could take all her pain away for her.. I'd swap places in an instant if I could..