[toomanyquestions]

Hi, I'm 19 and I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADD. I was wondering if alcohol screws anybody else over like it does to me. When I drink I make awful decisions and I'm starting think that alcohol triggers manic episodes. And the episodes are wild. I take medication, so normally I don't have major episodes. But the awful decisions I make under the influence leave me so depressed. And I' afraid I'm starting to show signs of hyper-sexuality. The depression is impossible to deal with, so does anyone have any advice or tips for dealing with this?

I know I should probably stop drinking, but keep in mind its really hard being young in college. I'm really worried because both my manic and depressive episodes are too much to control.

[Faraway tree]

I found a chicken or egg dilemma... Did I drink to slow down mania or did drinking make me speed up? Not sure but spent waaaaay too long in hypo manic/ mixed states and using alchohol to self medicate (I wasn't diagnosed/ on meds til recently). Like half a year at a time ending up ruining my work references and jumping on a one way flight to Bangkok too-long. Regarding sex, manic + drunk = eeww regrets now.

For me I've decided to try my very best to get well. The doc said two drinks a week max, I did as I was told. Then he asked how about none? I feel happier for it, though probably starting crazy Pills for the first time plays a part.

It is hard to quite drinking at uni. I quite weed at uni when all my mates were doing it. The thing I found the most useful was telling my close friend/flat mate that weed was making me crazy and asking him to make sure I didn't have any, no matter how drunk/
Manic I was. It worked, and even now six years later if peoplear smoking pot and I'm there he'll send them outside so I don't have to smell it. Like a bodyguard for the brain.

Good luck . you'll do well, is great you are sorting this out for yourself.

[acharlee]

I know I got worse when I drank. When I drank, I was a whole other person that no one liked. I would make poor decisions that often got me into trouble and still gets me into trouble due to the back lash. I got told that I can no longer drink and have lost the right to due so. My decision making has gotten better since quitting.

[bluemountains]

There is no way to play alcohol numbers to make drinking okay. Believe me, I go through phases (just coming out of one) where I try to make the alcohol work. The bad outweighs the good. I find it hardest to avoid temptation when I am hypomanic-drinking goes with feeling good, and it helps me to sleep.

I understand the being a student part-I partied my way all through college, and I am not proud of the stories I have from those days. It's not always easy as an adult either-social drinking is very much the norm.

Unless you really can do it, I wouldn't attempt to promise myself only one or two drinks a week. According to some studies, people with bipolar are over 50% more likely to develop alcohol/substance abuse problems. I know, I'm living it.

The alternatives? Always keep a filled water bottle in hand. This seems to be a staple for my young, healthy friends. Develop a passion for exercise-activity doesn't feel good if you have spent the evening before partying.

I wish you well. You are much smarter than I was at 19.

Bluemountains

I became super hypo when I would drink, and the more hypo I got the more I could drink! My record for beer is 14 in one night! but I would usually keep it down to about seven or so. I never needed alcohol and it wasn't hard to quit either.

please don't drink and take the meds at the same time. it can cause depression.

[Victoria'smom]

As a college student I could not drink it'd throw me into a horrible mixed state where I was simultaneously hyper-sexual and suicidal. I don't know if you are a guy or girl but your best bet is to make a virgin mixed drink, light blue Gatorade looks like hypnotic when it's in the frosted bottle, be the bartender, don't share your mixed drink w. anyone sober. Get to know your shots, and things that can replace them that have non-alcohol in them but taste similar. You'll start being known as the person that makes the best mixed drinks. Best of luck becoming bartender. Pm me if you need more suggestions.

[regretful]

It's not just the awful decisions, it's the alcohol too...it is a central nervous system depressant. It does not do the brain very good, especially if you are prone to depression, mania or anxiety. Get some help beyond these boards. People make it through college without alcohol. I know that I wish I had. I'd be much better off today.

[Zoesmom]

Welsome! I'm really not a drinker. I used to be a partier years ago and made bad choices at times. Regrets.....ocassionally I may have a daquirri once a year or so.

Alcohol doesn't really mix well with all my meds.