The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Oldergal, I'm not an expert, can only speak from my experience with the alcoholic and the progression of the disease.
Alcohol is a depressant, it alters the chemicals in the brain, I would imagine using it over a number of years can change the brain. I knew the A for 30 years and saw the progression.
I believe there are different circumstances for every A, but some could start drinking to self medicate if they are somewhat depressed , couple that with the genetics and there off to a career of drinking.
When he had sober moments, which was rare, I recognized the man I married. He would return .
I only know that my X A progessed into somebody I didnt recognize. When I met him he was a confident, dynamic person. His disease turned him into a depressed , insecure shell of the man I knew. Not to mention the physical deterioration of the disease.
He recently passed away , his disease won. It will always win unless they stop. Thats why its so important that they go into recovery. Even if it doesnt last, at least they give their body and brain a break.
Bettina
-- Edited by Bettina on Friday 2nd of August 2013 04:55:07 PM
-- Edited by Bettina on Friday 2nd of August 2013 04:59:08 PM
(((J))) Thanks for yet another giggle. I just love your delightful sense of humor. Have to admit, Jerry, I thought for sure you were going to say 2. Loved the surprise ending.
-- Edited by grateful2be on Friday 2nd of August 2013 08:28:29 PM
Mood swings- yes... In Alanon we are mostly advised not to worry too much about 'why'. Bi-polar crops up a whole lot in discussions about alcoholism and addiction. Besides that post traumatic tress could cross over with that description. Even when the family member stops drinking the illness can persist.
My own condition crosses over a number of descriptions and includes aspbergers. Well that was until I discovered emotions, attended lots of meetings, and learned to bond with other people. For me there are some genetic links as well as family experience. Serenity prayer territory.
All mental health diagnoses are more prevalent among substance abusers and vise versa. Bipolar is overdiagnosed among alcoholics and addicts but it is also legitimately more common. I personally feel the diagnosis should be provisional until someone is sober at least a year.
Hey Mark...good perspective and I also have felt that way myself...thanks for bringing that to the board. An earlier connect similar diagnosis was manic/depressive and 30 odd years ago that diagnosis was running in and out of the room like a hoard of mis-behaved children. Still when we got to look at the condition thru the lens of the active disease it, the diagnosis was easy to understand after a year or more of structured recovery even the manic/depressive traits blurred. Go to the disease first for answers was how I was taught and more than most sobriety was the goal we set sights on. Why do I aways think of white bears when I hear or read the word bi-polar? Hmmmmm Keep coming back (((((hugs)))))
Hey Mark...good perspective and I also have felt that way myself...thanks for bringing that to the board. An earlier connect similar diagnosis was manic/depressive and 30 odd years ago that diagnosis was running in and out of the room like a hoard of mis-behaved children. Still when we got to look at the condition thru the lens of the active disease it, the diagnosis was easy to understand after a year or more of structured recovery even the manic/depressive traits blurred. Go to the disease first for answers was how I was taught and more than most sobriety was the goal we set sights on. Why do I aways think of white bears when I hear or read the word bi-polar? Hmmmmm Keep coming back (((((hugs)))))
My therapist seconds what Mark said. She said that for an alcoholic to be diagnosed as bipolar that they'd have to be sober for at least 6 months before they could evaluate for bipolar and they also should probably be working a program, as well.
Our A daughter was diagnosed as bi polar when she was 18. Took her meds till she felt better then stopped taking the pills and started to drink. It's the chicken/egg debate, and to me it really does not matter if she drinks to make herself feel better because she is depressed. As Bettina said, after years of alcohol abuse her brain is now so damaged from the alcohol it is difficult to recognize any clear, lucid moments she may have. They are very few and far between. She has no program, and is walking on very thin ice, health wise and her personal life is a shambles. My family tree is dotted with alcoholics, depression and suicides, so there you go.
All mental health diagnoses are more prevalent among substance abusers and vise versa. Bipolar is overdiagnosed among alcoholics and addicts but it is also legitimately more common. I personally feel the diagnosis should be provisional until someone is sober at least a year.
Mood swings- yes... In Alanon we are mostly advised not to worry too much about 'why'. Bi-polar crops up a whole lot in discussions about alcoholism and addiction. Besides that post traumatic tress could cross over with that description. Even when the family member stops drinking the illness can persist.