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Cyclothymia and Alcoholism

So for a long while now I have suspected that I have an alcohol problem, but I would not describe myself as a textbook alcoholic.  Once a week, I get a very strong desire to drink.  I start to feel elated and very excited about going out to drink and have a good time.  Once drunk, I am a totally different person. I say and do things that I would never say and do in a normal mood.  My husband has commented that I am like two different people and that this change occurs after only 1 or 2 drinks. I am starting to believe that i might have Cyclothymia or some other form of bi-polar disorder.  The problem is, when I am drunk I do incredibly reckless and dangerous things.  I know other people who drink a lot and none of them get in cars w/ strange people or do other drugs when drunk.  This behavior scares me. I sometimes feel that I cannot control it at all and feel that the behavior controls me.  In my normal, sober state, I am a very fickle person who applies for a new job at least 1-2 times a month and always wants to move.  My husband has said that he never has gotten a sense that I am satisfied or quite happy.  I try to have hobbies but they never work out and I lose interest.  My question is: how is the alcohol related to mania?  Is it a form of mania?  Does it cause mania?  I seem to be in a manic state when drunk but it is only when drunk.  I am confused and worried. I have an appt. with a psychiatrist but not until Nov.  Does anyone else have experience w/ this?  Of course, I have tried to stop drinking but it never works.  I am lured back at the prospect of a good time.  
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Avatar universal
Hey, curious how this is working out for you. From what you've described, it does sound like Cyclothymia should be investigated. I really don't understand how someone could have untreated cyclothymia and NOT have a drinking or drugs problem -- I believe the incidence is about 60%, but I don't know what the other 40% are doing. Alcohol makes it worse -- harder to manage, and more likely you develop full-blown bipolar disorder. Hope you are doing well!

Curious George
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Avatar universal
Hi,

It's hard to tell.  I certainly go through what I might call 'obsessive' phases where I make endless lists and various plans that I then abandon after days.  I definitely experience some form of mania when drunk and I think in the time leading up to and before the drinking (I am anticipating the high).  I have been this way for as long as I can remember so at this point, it is hard to tell.  I just wonder about substance abuse and this sort of disorder.  Does it cause it?  Make it worse?  Am I using alcohol to cope?
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585414 tn?1288941302
Alcoholism can be a form of self medication for bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disabilities and it can worsen them as well. The best thing to do is speak to a psychiatrist and then they can see what to do from there but as well a dual recovery group is essential as to have stability, stopping drinking alcohol is crucial. As well some issues you are explaining would be worthwhile to discuss with a talk therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.
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Avatar universal
Well drinking decreases inhibitions which means you will do things you wouldn't normally ever do when sober and each person handles their alcohol differently.  It depends on you as a person.  I think it's a possibility that alcohol can trigger mania in people with the potential for it.  The question I guess is do you experience this "mania" while sober?  Alcohol can also worsen depression at the same time.
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