Expert: Crystal - 11/10/2011

Question
My husband whom I have been separated from for 1&1/2 years is a crack addict. When he is on crack his family makes the excuse that the reason is cause he is not on his Bipolar medicine. I never did find he was bipolar except when he was cracked out. He always blames his addiction on everyone else. He is violent and mean. I really do not think he is bipolar, just a crack addict. What I want to know is it just an excuse for his crack addiction because I am a depressed person and when I run out of my medicines I do not turn to drugs and blame everybody for my depression except myself. The crack makes him bipolar

Answer
Hi Liz,

I can't really answer this question as to whether he is REALLY bipolar or not because I have not met your husband but I can give you some advice. Yes addicts tend to use every excuse in the books and ones that aren't to use drugs because it is how they are wired somewhat. They tend to push blame onto anyone close and they play victim very well. However, just because he uses doesn't mean that he isn't bipolar it just means he is an addict, right. Well, does his family have any proof that shows a diagnosis of bipolar from a doctor or psychiatrist? Also, is there addiction in his family? People raised in homes with addiction have a higher risk of using and abusing drugs. Just because one person uses doesn't mean that you would be accustomed to addiction when you run out of meds, it is different with everyone.
How long have you known him and have you seen him with a long period of abstinence, does he present with bipolar behavior all the time?
Can you tell me more about your relationship and his use so maybe I can give you more information and answers?

Thanks.

Crystal