I'm John and 39 years old.

Often I would either be too excited about life and unable to sleep for days (mania), or else crash into a depression and sleep all the time. I was also very self-conscious, with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, leaving me feeling lonely, sad, and angry.

As a result I turned to alcohol to feel more normal, and time and time again I have destroyed cars, homes, jobs, and relationships. For decades I have often attended other twelve step programs to help handle my drinking problem but could not maintain long periods of sobriety.

I was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2000. I currently take daily 900mg Lithium and 4mg Risperdal which seems to work well.

My email is: BipolarDisorders@aol.com