HateTheGrizzly,
I'm not personally bipolar, but I've had quite a bit of experience working in a mental facility, a roommate that was a Doctor of Forensic Psychology, I personally struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and I have dated a couple of girls that were bipolar/borderline personality disorder. I don't know any special technique to assist you, but I do offer you a few words to think on, if you are willing to accept them:
1) People with bipolar, whether Type I or Type II, are more prone to substance abuse, as well as other Axis I disorders and also Axis II disorders (personality disorders) than those who are not.
2) There are people here on KTC with an entire array of mental disorders, all diagnosable according to the DSM-V criteria, but they/we are still quit cold-turkey.
3) Maybe you could ask your doctor about quitting cold turkey and see what his/her input is? A lot of medical professionals and smoking cessation programs promote nicotine alternatives because most people just give up cold turkey, but they also are not involved in the kind of accountability KTC will provide you.
4) If you toss the nicotine gum and any/all nicotine alternatives, go all in, post roll, drink the kool-aide, and work the KTC system, you will not be less than anyone here. You will be a brother to all of us here, and we will try to guide you and provide you with tips and advice that has worked for so many before you. We can't quit for you, but we'll sure quit with you. When I first joined, I had nicotine gum in my pocket but was not using it. I was scared to fail. I was scared that I would go back to the can. I was also pissed beyond comprehension and in a blind rage about learning that I am an addict. KTC works and will take away that fear.
5) our word/posting roll making our promise to be nicotine free no matter what happens is an absolute promise that absolutely no excuses are ever accepted for breaking. Caving is not an option. If someone goes back on their word, accountability and tough love are harsh, but 100% right on point.
6) KTC offers a thread for those who also battle mental issues. This may be a good place for you to see that you are not alone, and for you to connect with others who may understand and be able to provide you with the support you need. KTC isn't equipped to replace doctors, so please do talk to your doctor about KTC and how we operate.
7) Do a little bit of research and see for yourself that nicotine in any form does not "calm" or "stabilize moods"...it does the opposite. It causes heart rate, anxiety, etc to increase. When nicotine is ingested, it briefly sooths the very problems it created (increased heart rate, anxiety, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and so forth). Again, I'm no expert in the mental health area, but seems like maybe some breathing techniques, properly dispensed and consumed mood stabilizers, benzo's, etc. would do far more for calming you than nicotine. What are you thoughts on that?
Anyway, sorry this is long winded. Please give the above some thought and ask your doctor, as well. When you are ready, we will have your back.
PS: Please don't give AJ the big head anymore than you already have by calling him the biggest Johnson! 'roflmao'
