At 44, I have been a user of illigal substances for about 24 years. I was diagnosed with bipolar approximately 5 years ago and they have tried me on every known treatment for this disorder. I guess I am what you call "treatment resistant".
I find I "feel better" about life when using. I've tried almost everything. My drugs of choice are pain pills, muscle relaxants, marijuana and a new experience= methadone. I have never really become "hooked" on anything. I use these drugs lightly and not the same one daily.
I guess what this post is about is does anyone else have a long history with this similar type of behavior? I had a high level executive position for 20 years (just retired) and have a B.S. in business administration, so I am not a non-functional type. Any input from anyone (serious responses) would be appreciated.
I was on ativan, risperdal, tylenol 3, muscle relaxants, lithium, and pot when I met my hubby, Jim. I was really wacked out on all of those meds. He didn't like the effects of ativan, so it took a couple months to come off that. I didn't like the risperdal so I went off that. Jim convinced me that the pain in my head was more emotional than physical so he helped me come off those, too, and he increased the pot.
When I came off everything else I was smoking joints as if they were cigarettes but after about a year I got that under control too.
So now I'm mainly on lithium and a bit of pot, and that combo works for me. Jim has chronic pain. He and I will never quit smoking pot entirely - we think it's a lot better than alcohol or pain pills. But too much pot and bipolar don't mix too well because it can bring on your symptoms.
In my opinion, if it works, why worry as long as it doesn't get out of control? If it doesn't work, take one thing away at a time till you're happy.
Don't quote me but are not most illegal drugs classed as psychotropics aswell as antidepressants, antipsychotics and some mood stabilizers? They are all drugs that alter the mind. Could one not consult a physician about the benefits of symptom reduction with all these medications/substances? My input is not based on personal experience when it comes to substances like pot or pain killers. Rather, I consult a physician and pharmasist about any medication that I take. Even then I may not have all the information to make an informed decision. I wish People in general could be open about the subject of pot with a pharmacist or psychiatrist. I am not sure if they would have unbiased feedback based on research. I am all for natural remedies, but just try and take away my synthetic medications. They work for me. Everyone is reacts differently. In my opinion you may know the risks or you could ingest these substances blindly. Pharmacies don't have all the answers. People just know what is make them feel functional at the time. Long term effects of any substance needs investigating. Think of yourselves as pioneers...
While the jury is out on the illegal/legal aspects of psychotropics of any form, what is fact is that attempt at self regulation of the quick acting mood altering types can and does have deliterious effects on Bipolar in many, many cases. I mean no offense, but to clasify anti-d's or mood stabilizers in the same class as Benzo's, opioids, alcohol, MJ, etc...has shades of justification for abuse.
Speaking from the experience of 35 years of self medication with almost every imaginable substance, over a year in several institutions, and observations of others as well; I think the most effective treatment comes with well planned and executed medication management by a trained MD Psychiatrist. It may take some time (read: years) to hit the right "*****tail" of meds, but continued level control of synaptic function without self medication is by far the superior methodology, bank that. If you play with your meds, you often lose. Follow your Dr's plan, resistance often comes from within.
All this is only my opinion, take it as such, but if you were a Psych Doc you probably would treat yourself this way.
Good luck and good fortune, G[/size=5][/purple][/i]
Users for life
Posted - 12/26/2005 : 18:04:45
