Living with bipolar disorder can involve a lot of stress. It may be tempting to relieve some of that stress with downers such as sedatives or alcohol. No doubt, you will feel terrific after a temporary buzz, but you will suffer the effects of drinking for days or even weeks after that night of bingeing.
Here are three reasons why drinking alcohol as a bipolar is a bad idea:
1.) Poisoning
You become intoxicated from alcohol because it is poisoning your brain, not to mention your liver. Over time, your brain will become more and more depressed as a result of your alcohol use, which will require more and more of a fix. It is best just to never drink another drop. Why take the risk? Is your self esteem that low that you need to poison yourself to have fun?
2.) Drug Interaction
Alcohol interacts with practically every antipsychotic drug on the market, especially lithium. Drinking while on meds increases the toxicity of the alcohol, and some combinations will kill you or require hospitalization, even after only a couple drinks.
3.) Impulse Control
Manic depressives have less of an ability to control their emotions. Adding alcohol to the mix just compounds these problems. It is not a smart idea to end up arrested, because you got into a with pointless fight with some friends. Alcohol tends to bring out the worst in bipolars. Not to mention, depressed people who are intoxicated are more likely to commit suicide.
If you are currently a bipolar alcoholic, you seriously need to stop before you hit rock bottom. Don’t be stupid and see just how low you can go, because let me tell you, losing everything is not fun. Call Alcoholics Anonymous and get some help. For those who are just moderate or social drinkers, try and cut back on your consumption. You will feel much better as a result.