Smoking and Bipolar?

[Hope1992]

I was wondering how many Bipolar people find themselves smoking cigarettes all the time?

I was recently diagnosed as bipolar, and while Im looking at making a second appointment for a follow up I was wondering about the different traits of bipolar people.

One of the other girls at the doctors office where I was was outside smoking at the same time I was, and she mentioned how chain smoking can sometimes be related to being bipolar. I figure Ive been chain smoking pretty much since I was in middle school, and have been smoking two to three packs a day or more ever since high school, so maybe they are related? idk?

Anyone else have experience with this?

[Crystal413]

I smoke out of boredom but when I'm in an episode or really stressed or anxious I smoke a whole lot more. Which I know physically is worse but mentally better in my mind.

[breakdance202]

Yes. Ten dollar a week habit has turned into a twenty dollar a week will turn into a thirty a week habit, and my poor ecig all neglected, and I have lots of that liquid stuff too.

[Bubulous]

Smoke a lot more when you are manic lol

[breakdance202]

Especially now. I'm all stressed and smoking like a frickin chimney stack or a fire pit, or a lit candle. Truly awful.

[Bubulous]

I bet.  I think that if I can ever truly quit I will be done but I will have to see about that.

[breakdance202]

Just staying quit is the hardest for me

[Bubulous]

I can't wait to live without them.  I have accomplished a lot in my day and i would mark that down as one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.

[Crystal413]

Wow, That's great to here. That will be my next step.

[Bubulous]

It has been two weeks since I actually smoked a cigarette.  I am now trying to cut down on the vapor.

[Crystal413]

That's great to here!

[breakdance202]

Awhile ago I used the lozenges to quit and it worked. My ecig worked too. Towards end only had to puff on it once a day, sometimes forgot.

[Crystal413]

Let us know how the vapor cigs work out for you. I would love to quit and have tried many times. The patch helps a lot but not enough. My mind needs to be more powerful. Have you ever tried the patch?

[Bubulous]

Not just typical to bipolar but a lot of people with depression or anxiety issues get addicted to cigarettes.  I am trying to quit right now but smoking the vapor cigs.

[Crystal413]

I have always wondered the same thing. I've come to the conclusion that it is common. I have learned this by being around so many people with Bipolar thru the years.  Have quit many times. It's just so darn hard to break the habit. My pdoc and many article say it's self medicating. All I know is I have Bipolar and smoke. I certainly would like to be bipolar and quit for good.

[breakdance202]

I smoke. Not a lot. Five a yday average, but many years ago while in a happy episode I was up to pack a day easily more.

[CRSeaside]

Sorry. I reread your post. But bipolar is tricky. Not everyone is diagnosed correctly.
  Yes. Doing things to a great excess is part of the disorder.
I personally suffer the most in mixed state. Aka black mania. I can drink on my pills. And you shouldn't. I personally do not smoke cigarets. But I have some bad habits which get magnified while I'm not a healthy bipolar.
  Get the best help possible. I like NAMI. And DBSA.

[CRSeaside]

Just also know besides what Weaver has said, smoking is very dangerous to your health. It's guaranteed you'll suffer. So cut back. Then quit.
   Do you have the disorder of bipolar ?  Maxy

[weaver71]

I don't smoke, but if I am manic and doing it, whatever it is, I can be compulsive. I'm practicing at not doing that, but my Instict wants to go there. Drugs, sex, shopping, gambling, eating, travel, whatever I do, my bipolar wants to do it to the max! So yes, I think compulsive use of a most addictive of drugs, like tobacco, would be a common compulsive act for someone living in bipolar order.