Alcohol Recovery Without 12 Steps Community Group

This group was created to explore various recovery paths for Alcoholism. We generally chose to explore paths outside of the AA model, or ones which incorporate, but are not limited to AA. Anyone wanting to learn and explore how to become free from alcohol addiction are welcome. Our main goal is to support each other with compassion and decency, while remaining open minded...

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keepitsimple247j 09/06/2011

So today makes 37 days sober. I feel good. There have been some changes with me. I went to the doctors recently and got diagnosed with Bipolar 2. I am now on Lemictal along with my Celexa. It has been helping me so far. Helps with the racing of the mind. Finding out finally that I have bipolar makes so much sense as to a lot of my actions and how I used alcohol. It was definately a depressent for me (even though it is anyways.) I know that I want to drink, not to socialize, but to hide my feelings and forget everyone around me. I want to get shitfaced.

Also, I started back up in school again today. Feels so good to be back in school, learning and expanding my mind. My classes this cycle are Psychology and Sociology.

So far, I am in a good direction. Feeling positive for the most part.

deleted_user 09/06/2011

Congratulations...that 1st month is so difficult. Going to school and working toward your degree in Nursing will help you focus on something other than alcohol so that should help. Also having some meds to keep you level will help. One foot in front of the other!

keepitsimple247j 09/07/2011

Thank you :)

JanMichelle2002 09/07/2011

Wow, lots of congrats are in order! First and foremost ... congrats on 37 days! Way to stay strong!

Congrats on getting back in school! Can't ever go wrong there.

Good for you for getting checked out by a doctor. My sister is bi-polar and manages extremely well with meds. I hope you can do as well.

Very proud of you ... sounds like you're doing all the right things! Keep it up!

JanMichelle2002 09/07/2011

Hmmm, just noticed the bi-polar 2. Not familiar. What's that mean? The 2?

deleted_user 09/07/2011

It takes several months for your body to fully acclimate to bi-polar meds and meds for depression. Keep a record of how you feel in terms of tiredness and motivation. Sometimes the meds need to be adjusted slightly. by being "too effective" or not quite effective enough. You can tell your doctor if you're feeling overly tired, depressed, or manic, and he can help you make any possible adjustments.

Good to hear that you've found some answers though.

deleted_user 09/07/2011

Keep pluggin forward! I know you know this, but do not, under any circumstances, drink with your meds! It is not going to happen, I know......just sayin.

The road to healing sounds like it has begun.

deleted_user 09/07/2011

Awesome to see you are back in school! I am taking Psych this semester as well! I could not imagine being back in school while still drinking. My work ethic in school has become exciting to me and I am sure you have realized the same. We will both make some kick ass nurses in the near future lol Keep it up.
-Matt

ExJerseyGirl2 09/07/2011

Sounds like great forward progress. Glad that now that you have a diagnosis you are on meds that will help you. As KK says, don't drink on them. And keep taking them -- my sil is bipolar. She is fine when she is on her meds, but has gone off them a few times and has crashed and burned.

Congrats on 37 days! Hope you have a great semester!

deleted_user 09/07/2011

Alcoholism and bi-polar are prevalent in my family (sister, Mom, aunt). How does it feel to be bipolar? Does your brain feel like its racing? Do you have the same lyrics running thru your mind over and over and over? How did drinking help self medicate?

deleted_user 09/07/2011

Oh! Best of all... congrats on 37 days! That's fantastic news

deleted_user 09/19/2011

Congratulations . At least going back to school gives u another focus and goal to obtain. I've put my studies on hold until January to get myself together. I'm in last year of mental health nursing and it would be irrisponsible of me to carry on as a drinker. Xx

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