[honeybunchesofoats]

Can you drink if you have BPD?

[Crazy Hitch]

Thank you for asking this question honeybunchesofoats.

I think that this is a very important question to ask.

And I do believe that you will get a multitude of responses here which will be different based on personal experience.

My personal response is this.

Most of my medication gives a warning to exercise caution when drinking alcohol.

My pdoc is a believer of things in moderation and has stated this to me.

I think that there will be different schools of thought on this one even by pdocs.

I'm not really a drinker by nature, but this is just me, personally.

I don't have a problem with having some in moderation if I go out though.

It can have a calming effect on me, personally.

But.

I do feel I must say.

I think it also depends on what meds you are on.

Different meds may interact and respond differently.

[raspberrytorte]

I also think it depends on the meds you're taking. I'm not supposed to drink on mine. But it's okay. I don't drink anyway.

[Becoming]

Alcohol is a depressant. In combination with most medication, it will undo the effect if too much is consumed. Alcohol can at first trigger hypomania or mania, but the next day or even longer, the depression could set it along with a hang over (if drinking was to the point of getting drunk). These are all risks that are very possible for many people with Bipolar. I take Lamictal and when I binge drank those things would always happen. I have since cut back. So, I would say try to do it in moderation.

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[Skywalking]

There's no one size fits all answer to this, I believe. I think you need to take into account your medications, your past history (any addiction issues, etc.), your current level of stability, and how alcohol affects you.

Like, I don't have addition issues, I'm on a drug that doesn't (or hasn't for me) caused any side effects or complications if I drink, and I'm very safe and functional, and drinking mostly just makes me a little goofy. Therefore I can drink in moderation with no ill effects.

If it were someone with prior addiction issues, on a cocktail with side effects or complications when combined with alcohol who is either very depressed or very manic, or tends to get angry and violent when they drink...you can see why them drinking is not a good idea.

[BipolaRNurse]

Just a quick question: are you referring to bipolar disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder when you use the term BPD?

[RisuNeko]

I was wondering that also.

I don't think I'm supposed to drink with some of my meds, but i have 1 or 2 beers sometimes. Hasn't been a problem.

[Crazy Hitch]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

Just a quick question: are you referring to bipolar disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder when you use the term BPD?

The profile does not suggest borderline as a diagnosis under concerns.

Bipolar is there though.

So I'm unsure.

Unless told otherwise one would think it's referencing Bipolar; as it posted under the Bipolar Forum.

Yes you can drink! Is it a good idea? No.

[Tango62]

I think this is up to the individual and also the medications. Part of my severe crisis was feeling like Amy Winehouse at times yet normally I have a lower than usual tolerance. Now I am diagnosed and on treatment on around 4 occasions I have had problems but more behaviour following mood (bad bad bad mixed states, you will take anything to kill them) and alcohol can be like playing Russian Roulette with 5 bullets in the barrel. As I get to recognise warning signs I steer clear an otherwise imbibe a bit socially.