Drug Alcohol: Methadone Facts

Question: Bipolars; have you had any drug/alcohol addiction issues?

(Posted by: The Colonel poundin the skinz on 2010-05-20 06:55:23)

I'm BP and have read that over 70 % of BP's have drug/ alcohol abuse issues (amongst other things); I've also been two and a half years clean and sober and am wondering if there are as many other BP's out there with addiction issues as I've heard. MQ:Have you in the past or are you currently using drugs/ alcohol to cope MQ2: If so, what kind and for how long have you been using

Posted by: Andrea on 2010-05-20, 08:25:02

As a teenager I experimented with drugs for a couple of years but quit with no problem when I got pregnant..... I have a tendancy to drink more when I'm manic but otherwise I have been drug free (except for all the lovely pills my doctor makes me take) for 25 years. We do have a tendancy to abuse drugs in order to self medicate..... Better place to ask might be a Bipolar support like the opne on dailystrength.org.... good group, lots of people.. you'll get lots of answers.

Posted by: Frankie (SAY RELAX) on 2010-05-20, 06:56:44

I've used cocaine, amphetamine, diazepam and alcohol all at different periods. On and off for 5 or 6 years, not used in 3 months :)

Posted by: Countess Jodhaa Bai on 2010-05-20, 06:59:14

Many patients with bipolar disorder often self-medicate. Therefore by the time they seek treatment, they often have other addictions.

Posted by: lizzie borden on 2010-05-20, 07:08:06

I've been clean for about 6 years, but I used to use heroin for about 3 years. Even though I won't touch heroin, on occasion I'll pop pills if they are available to me. I don't go out and buy the stuff, but if someone I know has them prescribed, I will take them

Posted by: Angela on 2010-05-20, 09:42:12

I'm bipolar and have avoided drugs and alcohol like the plague. Substance addiction runs in my family. So aside from the fact that I've never had the slightest craving for any such substance, I've seen it bring down too many people. That stuff just isn't for me. Also, I have very addictive tendencies, so if I ever touched that stuff, it would surely be the end of me.