I think that drinking for any reason other than being social is not really a smart plan. Alcohol effects any one's moods let alone if you have bi polar.

But I understand the temptation to drink being a former drug addict. It's easier to use and forget about your problems then to struggle with them and face them. Some times a distraction is much needed but there are healthier one's than drinking. Probably just as costly though if not more.

I say maybe indulge for one night but limit your self beyond that.

i know what you mean i use to have a pretty bad drinking problem when i was younger i have it under control i usually limit my self to 2 times a month and only on the weekends in my own home in this case the distraction is very welcome aide from what happened yesterday that was kinda stupid of me to do

Alcohol is a depressant and just from that I'd say "bad idea"!

As tommy said ..liquor is a depressant

Not a good idea.

Alcoholism and bi-polar are different issues in my book. Alcohol does not tempt me on a daily or even monthly basis, but there are times a nip can take the edge off the manic energy and help me chill. It is a cheap and effective sedative.

it wasn't alcoholism i was drinking back then because i was severely depressed but this last week i have been up and down every other day just trying to find some kind of middle ground it may sound strange but a few drinks help me to think and get things into back perspective

When I was younger and not diagnosed I used to love drinking "dark beer" I couldn't stomach liquor. Now since I have been diagnosed beer just makes me feel worse. It's probably mixing with my meds though. If you do drink and you know your bipolar that would be considered self medicating, but your also an adult so do what ya want. I honestly think it will make things worse in the long run.

I think that the fact that you're asking the question might (and ONLY might) be an indication that you shouldn't.

I REALLY have a lot of anxiety and I used to drink every day because it totally got rid of the anxiety.
Unfortunately, any day after drinking, I would have more anxiety than ever.
So of course, the answer to that was to drink again.
Sigh. That plan didn't work out too well, long-term.

I stopped drinking 4 or 5 years ago (because I'm a drunk; one sip and I can't stop) and I'd LIKE to think that I never will again.

But without my meds, I wonder.
I definitely used it to self-medicate.

If you decide to go ahead and drink, stay safe!!!!

Good luck!!

For any other reasons besides social settings then no

sounds like you've already decided it's ok in your books, so i guess all i could say is `in moderation'

bad idea Jesse. drinking is a depressant but a party would always push me into mania. i'd stop taking my meds and then the drop. depression, hangover, bad choices.

depends.

drinking alone/ drinking to medicate yourself definitely inadvisable!

Jesse you wrote that you had a pretty bad drinking problem when you were young... Your profile says you're only 21 now!!!
I think you already know the answer to your question sweetie and I hope you listen to it..xo

Liquour/Alcohol in any form is a depressant. Yes it makes you feel a kick at first, but then it just knocks you down. Your already depressed, why would you want to make it worse?

Drinking and BiPolar disorder do not mix whether your on meds right now or not. Be smart dump the booze and spend your money/energy wisely on a good Pdoc and get some help towards getting stable again.

Take care,

Kat

Over drinking is a form of self induced insanity. Alone in a crowd or alone in your home drinking too much is self destruction. IMO alcohol has caused more trouble in this world than guns, prejudice and stupidity. Any of which can be lethal, put all four together in one body can result in nothing remotely resembling civility.