[TimTheEnchanter]

I've had no alcohol for six months, but then I took my trip to Europe and right away I have experienced a mood change with insomnia. At that point I was not even surprised because taking long trips (with time zone changes and jet lags) would make me insomniac, if history is of any guidance.
At that point I started taking my Ambien (cheap fake) and all was well. I was upset a little because I thought (hoped) that no drinking would completely cure me somehow (I know, delusional, wishful thinking). Then I was back, drinking a little. I never get drunk, I am more of a social dinker with high tolerance of spirits. But I also know that alcohol cannot be good for BP, even the mind version I have.(cyclothymia). Now I am trying to keep off drinking but what is the point? I'd guess no manic episode for six months was worth it...but what if alcohol has nothing to do with any of this? I am taking away small pleasures for no reason?

[gayleggg]

Drinking when you are bipolar is never a good idea, especially if you are taking meds. I can cause depression as well as mania. It's best to abstain.

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[Standup2me]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

Drinking when you are bipolar is never a good idea, especially if you are taking meds. I can cause depression as well as mania. It's best to abstain.

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I totally agree.

I found that in my worst state alcohol played a huge factor in my ability to come out of it. I spent a month IP to get my head straight and get off the alcohol and haven't looked back. Do I miss it? Sure! Have I slipped? of course. but in the end i know this is the better decision because while one or two may not have an effect, getting back into the addiction of it will eventually catch up and could possibly undo stability.

I drink in moderation. It bothers me "mood wise" when I am up or down. It is fine when I am relatively stable.

[TimTheEnchanter]

Thanks, for all who chimed in...I never mixed alcohol with Ambien (just wanted to point this out...) Now I take a little liquor in my coffee now and then and usually do not drink before bedtime. (unlike the myriads of folks who cannot fall asleep w/o a few drinks.)

[HeartShapedBox]

Im currently cycling because I got drunk on the 4th of July. Wish I would have abstained....

[evzenezve]

It's all about respecting the substance and making choices that give us a good quality of life. Nothing in and of itself is bad.
Everything has it's place and purpose. Our job in this Cosmic Classroom, University of Life, Nursery of the Stars (A.C. says we all are one) is to use our egg noodles (they help more than some of us know) for something more than just beef stroganof and figure this stuff out. But you knew that.

(Food seems to be the most widely disrespected substance in the U.S. these days. When we disrespect, we get ugly and turn into monsters.)

I should write this stuff down. Some of it's not too bad...

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm not much of a drinker but I think all things in moderation are okay ...

Yeah I think that overseas trip would have played with the sleep cycle which no doubt disrupts our mood.

Hope it all smooths out for you soon.