Bipolar and alcoholism?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
Bipolar and alcoholism?
4
Fri, 03-30-2007 - 5:49pm

My DH recently confessed to a secret drinking problem that has been going on for three years. Until his confession, I had NO IDEA that he ever drank to excess. I knew he was having emotional/mental distress, but I had no idea he was self-medicating like that.

He admitted himself into detox, where he was immediately diagnosed as bipolar. His dad is bipolar, so it wouldn't surprise me if he is, too, but I'm a little wary of such a quick diagnosis under such extreme circumstances. It doesn't help that the pdoc who diagnosed him was a total jerk who seems to think that everyone is a little bipolar. After hearing him explain his diagnosis, I don't trust it.

This pdoc said that almost all alcoholics are bipolar, but many don't exhibit the wide mood swings that many people think of when they hear "bipolar." In the last year, my DH has definitely shown an increase in anxiety, which the pdoc said is the "high" part of his bipolar experience.

DH is now in an inpatient treatment facility, where I'm sure he's getting a second opinion on the bipolar issue. Does anyone have experience with a combined bipolar/alcoholic diagnosis?

Any info is appreciated. TIA.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
Fri, 03-30-2007 - 6:24pm

My dad was bipolar and an alcoholic and my brother was bipolar and a drug addict. Both are dead now and died at young ages. My dad died of a heart attack at 44 and my brother died of an accident induced by drugs and died at 42 after spending 2 weeks on life support. I think if they seeked help for bipolar they may both be here, especially my brother.


The doc is correct most alcoholics and drug addicts are bipolar or have some type of mental illness and that is why they self medicate. Your husband did the right thing going into detox and admitting his problem with alcohol. I commend him for that. Most won't seek help. I really hope he continues on his journey seeking treatement and I hope whatever meds he is given for the bipolar he takes and works at his troubles in ways other than alcohol.


People don't use alcohol and or drugs on a regular basis because they are happy. They use it because they have anxiety or because of troubles they are trying to run from. Bipolars ususally have alot of anxiety and that is a symptom. Aggitation is another. There are Different levels of bipolar so don't think your husband has to show extreme behavior to have bipolar. I wish you and your husband all the best with this. It is great you are searching for info on bipolar to understand it better.


Tina




     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 8:26pm

My maternal grandfather was BP and alcoholic...my brother is BP and is drug addicted and an alcoholic. Not sure if EVERY alcholic is BP, though...but it makes sense. Anxiety and irritability are considered "manic" traits. So, the pdoc could be right.

Your dh should find the inpatient stay very informative. My prayers are with you!

Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 8:49pm

I think saying EVERY alcoholic is BP is stretching it more than just a bit, but many people who have problems with alcohol (or drugs) have some sort of mental problem and are self-medicating.


I worry too, sometimes,

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2003
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 9:22pm
I'm glad I saw this topic because I too was thinking that the BP and alcoholism go hand in hand. It makes sense that they would self medicate any way they could before realizing that they have BP. My DH stopped drinking in Jan. because when he drank he was becoming more and more violent (throwing and breaking things). Now that he's not drinking he has become less distructive but the anger is still there. I know he was getting very worried about his drinking and I also know that he is probably alcoholic.