Yes, my pdoc said this is common. I struggled with some issues for a brief period of time, prior to being diagnosed and treated properly. However, I noticed Lamictal made me a lot less prone to substance use. I don't feel the urge to drink, like I used to. My pdoc found this interesting and said it is likely because Lamictal has some properties that causes someone to be less impulsive. She's going to consider this in the future when treating some of her Bipolar clients who struggle with substance abuse and consider Lamictal more often, ever since she heard my experience.