Drugs and Alcohol

[britleykay]

Hi,

    I have been with my bf for almost 2 months now.. He tells me that he has BP disorder and that he has a hard time staying off the alcohol and drugs (weed & pills).. He takes Symbyax and Prozac from my understanding. I really dont think he takes it like he should.. I was wondering if this is a common problem? I am new at this and dont know very much about the problems that he has. I am trying very hard to stick by his side and work through all this. But I am wondering if he could be using this disorder as an excuse? I dont want to say he does, but you never know. Thanks alot for your help!

[Xila31]

It is a common problem for people with bipolar to self-medicate themself and drugs and alcohol are two of the top choices for that. Not only is it dangerous to mix medication with alcohol to begin with, but also drugs and alcohol actually make things worse not better. For example, he may be able to drink away his problems today but really all he is doing is pushing out that problem to another day plus adding the possible liver damage into his future. Or a DUI or a fight in a bar that gets him arrested, etc. There is so much that can happen, and with bipolar you already have poor judgement, especially during mania.

You say you are only together for two months, so this is a big stress on a new relationship. If he will go to his psychiatrist or psychologist that is a good step. If not, I'm  not sure what to tell you. He will need to realize that these things are bad and start AA or something. Maybe there are groups like that for bipolar people who are addicts. Not sure, but maybe, since being bipolar adds a whole new element. But if you are wanting to try and see if you can stay with him, just know it is a lifelong and hard road and bipolar in itself is an illness and addictions are also an illness, so he's going to need a lot of support.

[cornyguy]

Fix an appointment with his Psychiatrist and you also go with him.The Psychiatrist will give him some good advice.

[britleykay]

Yea! I have been telling him about that since I found out he has this disorder. He does good some days. But this past week he drank 5 days in a row. Not like a 6 pack. But he thinks that just *one* wont hurt him.. And me not knowing very much about it. I dont know if he is telling me the truth or tellin me a lie to shut me up..

[cornyguy]

Hi,Wanted to mention that alcohol does not go down well with Psych meds.Make him understand.