Ellie gives her perspective on drug use and the effects they have on your mood. This follows the issue being raised at a recent workshop assembled for young adults.

Recently we ran a Zoom workshop for young people and one of the topics discussed was drugs We discussed the role it played with people with bipolar. It was  interesting discussing what people thought about taking drugs and how it linked with taking medication.

We touched on the subject of drugs being an unwise adventure but also acknowledging that at university and when you’re high or manic the allure of drugs can be tempting and can sometimes be inevitable if they are in your surroundings. I find that I am such a control freak that the thought of most drugs isn’t that appealing as not knowing what side effects I could get from drugs scares me to death.

In addition, I tend to be more on the higher end of the mood scale, so I feel I don’t need drugs to lift me up as I get it naturally. The drug of choice for me is either coffee, which I absolutely love or alcohol. Yet, even with alcohol I’m a tad wary as when I drink too much, I lose control over myself, which I find uncomfortable and I don’t like how long it takes to wear off. 

For me drugs have never appealed but everyone is different, and experimentation can sometimes be a learning curve into seeing your limits and getting it out your system.

To find out and register for other meetings coming up visit our Support Groups page

Finally, at Bipolar UK we offer a number of services from our peer support line where you can speak to someone who has experience with bipolar, type "Peer Support Line" in the chatbot on the right of the screen