[Brophy]

So recently I realized that my mania induced by consuming either alcohol or caffeine hurt some people that were very close to me. It destroyed a few relationships and caused me considerable emotional pain as a result. I have had a drop of either for a week and I was considering going to an AA meeting once a week. Not because I am an alcoholic mind you, but because my choice to imbibe in certain chemical compounds caused me to behave in a way that hurt people I care about. I really DO NOT have a desire to drink ever again, and should not do so on my meds anyways. I guess I'm just looking for feedback on whether or not people think this is a good idea or not? I find myself on the fence about it and while these forums are a good outlet for my Bipolar there aren't any Bipolar specific support groups in my area.

[Capriciousness]

I asked this here a long time ago and think I remember that what most people told me was that if I felt like it was something that would help me then why not try it. You never know. And you don't have to go back but it might help. Plus you say you are committed and it probably won't be an easy road even if you are not an alcoholic. It is hard to find IRL bipolar support. Good luck to you. I think you are doing an honorable thing.

It can't hurt. And you will meet some inspiring and supportive people along the way.

[Nammu]

You can go to open meetings until you decide if it's for you or not.

[~Christina]

Seems logical to stop drinking if the result of doing so causes problems in your life. Going to AA is a choice. Maybe it will help you stay away from alcohol.

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through Brophy. I can relate, some of my manic episodes have certainly caused strain on some of my relationships. I guess it's sometimes a little bit easier said than done but my psychiatrist pointed out to me last week that it's really important that I continue to work with my husband and recognise my early warning signs of when I'm heading into an episode. For me, personally, one of my first signs is a disruption in my sleeping patterns. Because if that carries on for a few nights it more often than not leads to hypomania. So I think it's a good point we can possibly think about that my psychiatrist said - it serves as a reminder to me that I should be cogniscent of when I'm entering a mood state (I do know this, but yes, mania makes me forget at the best of times I can be so scatter brained).

I think an AA group could be very good for you. I've never personally been, but honestly I know heaps of people who have and have benefitted very positivitely from this experience.

I wish that what ever you decide it has the best possible outcomes for you moving forward.

Let us know how you go.

[seacrets2life]

In my hypomania, my bipolar brain will ALWAYS tell me that I can have just a drink or two...that I can handle it, it will relax me, enhance my "up" feeling etc etc. And EVERY time, it's a horrible lie that's led to behaviors and consequences I can never undo. I've considered AA also, but like you, I wonder if it would truly help given my dx and hypomania battles. It takes a rational mind to fight off the craving, the lie...