It is also common for individuals with bipolar disorder to resort to ill-advised coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can appear to take the pain away, if only temporarily. But drugs and alcohol also have side effects; alcohol acts as a depressant, and certain drugs have physical and social stigmas attached. Both of these vices are also extremely addictive, and some people can find it tempting to use them in place of the sanctioned medications that could better their lives.

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