So I made an odd observation and I could be wrong but I think my brain is pushing me to go into a manic episode (I am diagnosed) cause when I’m in it I go all out engaging in risky things and using badly. I barely started recovery so it’s just so ironic how my brain wants to turn to bad habits right away. Anyone struggle with something similar?
Hey Vic! I don’t think it’s as uncommon as you think. While I’ve never been diagnosed, I definitely feel I’m “on the spectrum” I don’t know if my alcohol/drug came as result of me trying to cope with the mania, or did it cause the mania. Regardless, I feel they do go hand in hand. I suffered from several addictions and compulsive behaviors over the years. When I removed one, the others got worse. I’m at a point now, for the first time in a decade, where I’m enjoying a sense of freedom from all of this madness. I go to an average of 5 AA meetings a week, I’m working the 12 steps with a sponsor (currently on 8 and 9), go to a psychiatrist once a week, do marriage counseling on a monthly basis, listen to a lot of mental health and recovery podcasts, daily prayer and meditation etc. bottom line is it takes a lot of work, but the results are great. It doesn’t go away. I need to practice these new habits every day. You can do it too. Start changing one thing at a time, and be patient with yourself. It’s a program of progress not perfection
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Hi. Thanks for your share. I am also diagnosed bipolar and am an alcoholic. I'm less than 2 weeks sober and have the same thought process wanting to engage in unhealthy drinking behaviors. Reaching out helps and I've been attending aa and even went to church. I still want to drink though. It's one day at a time and you can get through this. I'm also seeing a doctor too. It's not easy. Sobriety w bipolar gets lonely as heck.
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Hi Vic! I have bipolar and have almost 3 1/2 years sober. What I can say is that being sober has helped my bipolar significantly. When I first got sober I went into a mixed episode and it was a little rough trying to figure things out, but now that I have some time under my belt I am able to better manage my episodes and cope without alcohol. Reach out if you would ever like to chat.