[madisgram]

i'm bipolar and a recovering alcoholic. i was aware in my addiction that alcohol lifted my depression. course the alcohol consumption led me to abuse it cause i was self medicating. it was when i was so out of control that i sought help. i learned the term "dually addicted". that was the problem. i had never been dx'ed until then re my bipolar disorder. while there are not many conclusive studies on the relation to the two for me it explained a lot. mood swings led me to abuse the drink. drinking led me to mood swings. then there were times i put down my meds thinking i was cured of bipolar. some ppl have depression a lot-me-and other bipolars have more highs. both are a recipe for disaster imho unless those of us who benefit from meds stay on them and also alcoholic treat both at the same time. the solution is abstinence from alcohol and taking our meds as prescribed. in my case my T and postdoc had to 'teach" me to phone them first before i became my own doctor-not recomended. by keeping these balances in my life at the same time i have been successful at accepting these two problems, being responsible for the two, and have a semblance of balance in my life. if i cut out abstinence it will lead me to the other- stop taking my meds and becoming manic or depressed or vice versa. i need to continue to treat both at the same time or the negative cycle will begin again. here's an article re this. hope it may help those with similar dx'es.

from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.

Bipolar disorder and alcoholism often occur together. In fact, up to half the people who have bipolar disorder also struggle with alcoholism.


The connection between bipolar disorder and alcoholism hasn't been clearly established. However, these factors likely play a role:

• Inherited traits. Genetic differences appear to affect brain chemistry linked to bipolar disorder. These same traits may also affect the way the brain responds to alcohol and other drugs, increasing the risk of alcoholism and addiction.
• Depression and anxiety. Some people drink to ease depression, anxiety and other symptoms of bipolar disorder.

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bip...sorder/AN00920

[yogiheidi]

Thank you for posting this my husband claims I use my bipolar as a crutch and an excuse for why I drink and I need to wake up and snap out of it. He believes he is an exert on bipolar disorder because he read the Wikipedia page on bipolar disorder.

[gma45]

Thanks for this I have often wondered about this. I think I have just never been diagnosed.

[roads]

Originally Posted by gma45

Thanks for this I have often wondered about this. I think I have just never been diagnosed.

gma45, considering how much you're struggling with your depression, I'd sure inquire if I were you--if you seriously thing you match the profile. Meds never did me much good when I was treated for clinical depression; with the bipolar dx though the med changes have made a huge difference.

[bluemountains]

I have bipolar 2 and struggle with alcohol use. My parents were/are both alcoholics, one diagnosed with bipolar and the other diagnosed with depression, although I suspect she was bipolar as well given the behaviors she exhibited. My siblings also have a variety of diagnoses and addictions. In our family there is definitely seems to be a correlation.
Bluemountains