Uncontrolled Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol

[Piglet]

I have been diagnosed as having type 2 bipolar disorder. My swings are Waaayyy fast, like 12-20 day cycles. I realize that treating the symptoms of this was the most important factor on being an alcoholic.
I've tried, Lithium, Carbamazapine and Valporate but nothing seems to help.

Can anyone relate to this problem? Has anyone got suggestions?

Many thanks,
P-)

[bigsister987]

You're not a girl are you? If so it could be PMT related :eek:

[Ben]

I’m not bipolar but my father is. I have been around the block time after time with my Dad. He is on Lithium and works very well when he takes it consistently and the correct amounts. Even if there is a slight variation with medication, his moods will change and can set off an "epsiode". My dad he is not drinking and on his meds is a highly effective person. When off them and drinking all hell breaks loose. I know in my dad’s case that he needs a strong support system to stay on the meds and to not drink. When off the meds he tends to self medicate and can drink himself into a coma. Bipolar’s have more of a chance to abuse drugs and alcohol then other people. If you can build a support system you will be better off, get your love ones involved and have them educate themselves about bipolar.

[bigsister987]

Stephen Fry has bi polar:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/tv_and_radio/secretlife_documentary.shtml

[Hopey]

Hey Piglet - I sent you a PM.

[dynaglide07]

do what you can not to drink first of all. then find out if it realy is bipolar. you may need a ct scan. the chemicals in your brain are so low and out of balance you will cycle like the speed of light. you could have low seritonin that has bottom out. takes a good year to get better when you find the right drug. and stay on it?? alcohol will tripple the effects of whats wrong . and cause you to get manic deppresed. and the anexity with it. if you get to low you will actuly here your thoughts like voices. do the research. good luck and don't give up there is always hope and have faith.

[clairebella]

Hey Piglet I can say that I can relate to it in that my father had a bi-polar disorder. My sister and niece both have pretty severe forms of it with phychosis. I only hope that your case isn't too severe and that you find the right kind of medication that really works for you. It's tempting for bi-polars to go off the meds but it's always a big mistake. I'm sure drinking is a very bad idea. I'm not sure what type 2 Bi Polar is. It is a difficult thing to live with and I am glad you are asking questions and seeking answers.

[bagpuss]

Active addiction can mimic the highs and lows presented in bi polar affective disorder, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis. (although to be honest, here in the UK they dish out that diagnosis like smarties). The problem being, addicts who seek out mental health support from professionals in psychiatry aren't generally honest about their substance misuse. This leads to incorrect diagnosis being made which, the addict then latches onto to account for their wild behaviour (drinking/drugging et al)

When the person finally deals with their addiction, in many instances, the bi polar, disappears. Celebrities such as Kerry Katona are a case in point. Society feels sympathy for 'sufferers' of any chronic medical condition, yet feel none at all for the out of control addict.

[Tangster]

This is a very interesting post to me. I was just diagnosed with bi polar 2 and put onto a mood stabilizer called Lamictal. I was honest with the MD about my alcohol usage, and he ordered me to stop drinking immediately, while we work on getting my moods and depression.

That said, I wonder if it is my alcohol usage/abuse, all these years, that has me experiencing a "mimic" of bi polar, as suggested in bagpuss' post below.

hmmm....something to think about. I did feel that relief when handed the preliminary diagnosis, like, "oh good, it's all my fault, the mess my life is in".

Strange to ponder, that some of us would rather have a mental disorder of bi polar, than a label of an alcoholic.

At any rate, I'm following Drs orders, today is day 2 of no drinking, and taking the meds. I will pursue a complete assessment and be totally forthcoming with my Therapist and MD.