[Gabyunbound]

Do you guys think that maybe if you have a history of addiction -to whatever- it might make you (more) addicted to euphoric hypomania's? I feel like I'm addicted to that feeling, which makes it hard to take all my meds, and I question taking them on a regular basis. I have a history of alcoholism (resolved some 10 years ago) and I wonder if this is contributing.

Anyone else feel addicted to that euphoria and also have a history of addiction to substances? Or what do think of this 'theory?'

I've used amphetamines in the past and enjoyed them until they turned on me and I began to hallucinate. This is exactly how hypomania is for me. I really enjoy it and feel almost cured when I have it. I get very euphoric and it feels exactly like being on amphetamines. It's very enticing. Thrn it turns bad, but even when it goes bad, I still feel so physically strong and elated.

In the hospital I kept telling them how great I feel. The psychiatrist replied "yes, many people enjoy their mania".

Some people only get dysphoric mania and hate it. I don't know if people with previous drug or alcohol abuse are more prone to enjoying it. I've wondered if my manias are decades long flashbacks from previous use, but since I had my first manic episode before trying drugs, this is doubtful.

I hope you find the answers you seek. Congratulations on remaining sober.

[Gabyunbound]

Thanks ElsaMars! My hypomania's also invariably turn ugly on me too and yet I still crave the beginning euphoric part. I've thought, on occasion, that if I could just control it and stop it with increasing meds at just the right time, it would work out well. But I have yet to increase meds on my own until it's already turned bad... Though my pdoc has caught it early on a couple of occasions and I've followed his advice, reluctantly, and increased Seroquel early in the game, when things were still good.

When I let it continue beyond its expiration date, so to speak, it's unbearable and I can dangerously fly into mania. I think I need to keep this in mind. I do wonder about the history of addiction to substances, though, if it makes me crave the beginning good parts more.

[Daonnachd]

I'm not sure this will add much, but here's my experience for what it's worth.

A few years ago I was prescribed Adderall. I got addicted and abused it...and it felt good. However, I don't like addiction. I've quit taking it now.

Hypomania, on the other hand, seems to happen no matter what I do, so I just enjoy the euphoria while it lasts, knowing there will come a crash.

My hypomanias are good stuff but I think the audience gets tired after awhile.

It's fun being hypomanic with a friend. In my case, my boyfriend. Felt like we were going to Candyland lol

[BipolarMama31]

I describe my feelings for mania an addiction.
I seek the rush. Im sure theres some chemistryvhappening in my brain that causes the 'addiction'.
Funny enough, i was prescribed narcan (never taken an opiate before) for my manic cravings, and after 1 week of mild side effects, i actually feel like im not craving that rush, like i assume an alcoholic would feel.

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[Wander]

Absolutely, I love getting high in any way possible. Been clean from weed for 4 weeks now and intend to keep it that way. It turned on me badly. I miss the high though. All my life since 16 I have been chasing any high I can get and when I am hypomanic (euphoric) I LOVE IT!!!