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Posted 6/11/2009 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
I drink 1-2 glasses of beer per night. Because I have Bipolar, I know this isn't good; I especially know this because it's so hard to quit. But it's such a huge part of my life that I convince myself that it's okay. I can't even slow down to only one per night.

I guarantee that in 5 minutes, I will invalidate my concerns and continue this habit. There are certainly two forces at play here, and the most effective one is weak against the other. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks so much
Posted 6/11/2009 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
ecb
wellcome to the forum. I to have had a drinking problem in the past. I would drink when i woke up on my way to work, at work, and after work everyday. Then I got pregnant and stopped but started up again after I had my son. But one night in my drunken stupers i fell and it struck me what if i was holding my son and fell. Some times it takes a real wake up call to stop. I only drink occasonaly now. Do you go to tharapist or a pdr? this is something they may be able to help you out with. It is scarry when something controls your life like that. Keep us posted i am sure most of us have been through this or something like it. I can relate.

SLZ
Posted 6/11/2009 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on meds ECB? The drinking essentially counteracts the meds. You might as well not even be taking them. Everyone has an occasional drink. That's not going to kill you. But every night is a bit much. You need to replace the beer with something else. I know it won't be as satisfying, but with practice, you will get used to it. Make it soda, or something you drink during the day. Limit yourself to beer only on the weekends and then eventually none at all. Ask those around you (your wife or partner) to support you and not drink in front of you.

I totally symptathize with what you're going through but you're right, as bipolars, we're not afforded the same liberty with alcohol that everyone else is. I'd hate to see you go manic over something like this.

serafena
Posted 6/12/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Well my spouse has been diagnosed with bipolar for about 1 year now and he is a recovering alcoholic. I support him and try to encourage him but he says it's my fault that he cant drink..and why wont i let him drink. These accusations are very hard on me...i have not had alcohol since i've been with him. For me that is a sacrifice i can make to support him. Every time he reminisces about drinking games or going out to the bar..or getting crazy drunk he tells me he wishes he could go back and how much he loved being stupid and throwing up etc etc. It disturbs me but i dont comment too much because he just gets "fuel" from my disapproval.

Ecb i think you know your limit and you're not that extreme but it's not too late to do something now before it becomes a problem. I encourage your quest to replace the habit (maybe make it a physical activity?)
Posted 6/13/2009 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Tryingtolove,

Welcome to HealingWell and to the bipolar forum. It's really a shame that your husband refuses to take responsibility for his own disorder and addiction problems. You say he is a recovering alcoholic. Did he go through a program or did he just quit cold turkey? What about his bipolar? Does he see a doc? Does he have a therapist?

How about you? What kind of support network do you have? Being married to a bipolar (and I am one, I know) is no walk in the park. Do you have a therapist? Strong family you can talk to?

We're glad you're here.
serafena
Posted 2/23/2011 7:54 AM (GMT 0)
I am a recovering alcoholic/marijuana user. My wife is gently nudging me to find out if I am bipolar. I am under the care of a psychiatrist and I take Luvox 150 mg per day once a day at dinner time for depression and anxiety. My doctor will not provide me with a diagnosis of weather or not I am truly bipolar unless I can get 90 days sober. I have a program for my sobriety so I am working toward that goal and hope and pray everyday that I can reach 90 days sober. I want to know if I am bipolar. My wife has shown me articles and literature and I am finally on this site being honest with myself. I get to find out if I'm bipolar and get sober at the same time. What ever my doctor says is what I am. I'm not happy about anything right now in my life. I HAVE THE HIGHEST HIGHS AND THE LOWEST LOWS. I can't accomplish anything anymore. I keep hearing from my wife, family, friends, strangers, people I meet at meetings, that i have a lot of potential. I have had some success in my life. I used to run my own successful business. I am facing my fears and God willing I will figure this out. If anyone has experience with what I just described, I would love to get a little insight, because I'm done experimenting. I'm going to try sobriety doctors and medication for now.

Michael
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