Getting Sober
What "sobering up" means to you depends on your situation. Sometimes it means decreasing the frequency or quantity of use. Called "harm reduction" in treatment terms, many people naturally do this when they notice a problem with drugs and alcohol but are unsure of its severity. For example, if you find that you binge drink (more than 4 drinks at a time for women and more than 5 for men) when you're out with friends at bars, you might decide to ask your friends to meet you at a movie instead of a bar. Shifting the environment in which problematic behaviors occur is a way to reduce harm. Likewise, you may try to limit the amount you are drinking or using, or you may make deals with yourself not to use at certain times of day or in certain places. All of these methods of control are common once a problematic pattern is recognized. Whether these methods of control work or not depends on your individual circumstances. Here's a guideline for the safe consumption of alcohol, by the way. Great graphic from the CDC. by Megan Kennedy Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness and permanent condition. When left untreated, it’s highs and lows can be erratic and the disorder can be overwhelming. The cyclical manic and depressive phases that distinguish bipolar disorder can cause poor performance at work or school, fragmented relationships, and sometimes suicide. However, with treatment, people with bipolar disorder can lead very full lives.
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AuthorKambria Kennedy-Dominguez, LPC-S |