I am in my early 20's and was recently diagnosed bipolar.....however even with medicine I never feel "normal" unless I have alcohol in my system....that is why I love being able to drink because it is really the only time that I ever feel great....is this normal?
2006-12-08 09:52:27 · 13 answers · asked by gcrowders 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
This is called self medicating. Its very common that alcoholics are self medicating another psychiatric disorder before diagnosis to feel "normal". Now that you know what your pattern is, and why- you can change it.
If you dont already have a drinking problem, start using your medication before it turns into that.
Being bi-polar is no different than any other medical condition that requires medication, you should not feel ashamed.
2006-12-08 10:06:04 · answer #1 · answered by somedayhomefree 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all.. there is no such thing as normal. We all have neurosis. Anyway, I don't really think it's healthy for you to NEED alcohol in order to feel "normal" so, I would definately go to a dr., or better yet, get a psychological consult. That could help you find out what is causing this. Remember that drinking is only a temporaty solution if you feel this way.. eventually, you have to come back to the real world. (I'm definately not saying that alcohol is all bad, but in this case... not good)
2006-12-08 10:40:04 · answer #2 · answered by Danii 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One or two drinks are OK but anything after that may be an alcoholic. A couple of drinks give you the same chemical you are lacking in your head. This is why you feel better after a couple (2) drinks. By the way what is normal? Is any person normal really.
2006-12-08 10:11:06 · answer #3 · answered by ascendent2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should really consult your doctor about this. Mixing alcohol and anti-depressants can be very dangerous. I don't think that needing alcohol to feel "normal" is a good thing. I also do not think it is wise to self-medicate. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to months for the medication to show its effects. It needs to be taken regularly in order to be at a constant level in your blood. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you. ~former Pharmacy technician/current Dental Hygiene student.
2006-12-08 10:02:59 · answer #4 · answered by lilitaly222 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is totally normal. Define normal? There is no normal. Lots of people are wrongly diagnosed as bi-polar every day. Personally I would get a second opinion and I'd much rather medicate myself with alcohol than make some pharmaceutical company fat so I can be "managed". Good luck!
2006-12-08 09:56:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What everyone else considers normal is not something you experienced before medication.
Before meds, you were probably either really up or really down. Now you are level and miss the "highs" of being manic.
Don't continue the pattern, just see your doctor and explain what is going on. You may need it adjusted if you are too evened out.
2006-12-08 09:58:04 · answer #6 · answered by Barbara 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Drinking is not good while on medications. Usually this means that the Dr. has to either increase the dose or try something else that will work. And the drug reps tell me that different people require different drugs to work.
2006-12-08 10:36:52 · answer #7 · answered by mikeyv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't thin k that it's not normal.. But it is a bad idea to follow that pattern. You will end up an alcoholic if you aren't already. You will only be able to function when drunk.
2006-12-08 09:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by poof10958 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with drinking alchohol. You just need to know your limitations. Being bipolar is serious, but you should follow a doctors orders. IMHO :)
2006-12-08 09:54:30 · answer #9 · answered by Josh Willard 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I really feel that it is not normal. And that u should seek medical help, talk to a doctor about these moods.
2006-12-08 09:56:17 · answer #10 · answered by girlygirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋