Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

8,884 Members

129,556 Posts

1 Online

MermaidSinger 12/04/2011

Hey everyone-
just an observation.

I've noticed that alcohol really screws with my mood and sleep patterns. When I drink, I will be up all night manic as hell, and the next day be bouncing off the walls-everything is hilarious, I can do anything. Basically mania intensified.

Then I will sleep from, say, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., get up and it starts all over again. Fairly manic during the day, then crash at night.

And the crash is BAD and sudden. I was in the shower the other day and smiling and literally felt tears running down my face with NO warning...and was suddenly hopeless.

I feel like alcohol is basically mania and depression times ten for me. Which is frustrating because normal people can enjoy a few without this craziness!

Anyone relate?

deleted_user 12/04/2011

I still have my share of problems sober, but they are nothing compared to back when I drank and smoked pot. The best thing a beeper can do for his/herself is to quit drugs and alcohol in order to be sober enough to have a fighting chance. There really is no place for either in the life of a person with bp.

tommymott 12/04/2011

Alcohol has never been my friend. I was very happy when I managed to quit with no problems.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

When I drank I would be extremely agitated the next day. That was really the least of my problems because while drinking even if just a little I would become manicky and delusional and just crazy in general.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

Alcohol makes your meds not work. Best to put that bottle down before it becomes a problem

deleted_user 12/04/2011

I havent had a drink in so many years that I cant remember how long it has been I did have a sip of beer my favorite drink and was totally drunk the people I was with said you only had a tablespoon full what is with you Now in the house I am in there is no smokeing or drinking and sometimes I miss it but have no idea how it would affect me so I plan to stay away from the beer

MermaidSinger 12/04/2011

haha, sensing the general consensus here is that it's gonna be impossible for me to enjoy alcohol even in moderation with my bp...

NOT disagreeing with you folks, I haven't been around nearly as long or gotten the experience you have! But is there really no way to enjoy it in moderation? Am I doing something wrong, or is that just how the cookie crumbles?

Just a hard pill to swallow that I can't enjoy even a drink or two, being college student and all...argh, this disease really sucks sometimes!

deleted_user 12/04/2011

Some beepers can drink some cant. I can have a few beers but thats about my limit. I am not a fan of hangovers which is lucky dont like them knows what causes them so except for knocking back a few on very infrequent occassions I dont partake. Some beepers cant drink at all and some shouldnt drink and do. Have a talk with your doctor but be honest

aprilraven 12/04/2011

I have a few drinks once every other month or so, and generally can't sleep that night but I think that's because I won't take my evening meds when I drink. I really think it depends on where you're at before you drink as to what will happen. But if you always notice the same pattern and don't like it, then I'd suggest not doing it at all.

linds7 12/04/2011

I can have a few beers once in while the trick is not to go past that or I really get sick..... meds really take the fun out of drinking!

mysavior05 12/04/2011

i get super tired and the high is intensified if i have a drink.mixing the booze and meds doesnt work for me. but at 18(was legal than) you shouldnt be drinking anyway!!!!! its not worth setting off depression or mania and than meds not working. i cant afford a relapse! Good luck.and this illness does suck :(

deleted_user 12/04/2011

Alcohol kept my meds from working properly. When I quit I didn't have a hard time because I felt so much better. It's like I drank to feel better, which lowered my meds, which made me want to drink to feel better...

Fairy12 12/05/2011

I never paid much attention to how it affects me, all I know is I wish I had a beer or two or five. Its been forever!

If I drink to much I become more of a nutter and usually do something I regard though.

Join the Conversation