Seven years ago, I set out on a tumultuous journey, undertaking a spirit-seeking project that finally comes to fruition today. The Bipolar Addict: Drinks, Drugs, Delirium & Why Sober Is the New Cool is out now. And, after all this time and work, I can’t believe it.
The Bipolar Addict, and its accompanying blog, was and still is a labor of love. Holding the finished product in my hands, flipping through its pages, and sniffing its new-book smell have filled my soul with joy. Not just because I can now hold the labors of my work in my hands, but because I hope that my message will help others find their way — and possibly give them a sense of hope.
I’ve been writing The Bipolar Addict since I got sober in 2012. The quest began when I was asked to tell my story at the end of my stint in rehab. Although most in the group gave impromptu speeches, I wrote mine out, wanting to make sure I captured my emotions.
After I’d read the story to my rehab group, there was silence. Then my addiction counselor said, “Amazing, amazing.” He then encouraged me to write a book about my experiences as well as the experiences of others.
The working title was The Bipolar Alcoholic, and it was originally going to contain as many as 12 stories about bipolar alcoholics. However, I realized quickly that most of us who are dually diagnosed with bipolar and alcoholism are also addicted to drugs, and so the name was changed to The Bipolar Addict.
I did in fact interview a dozen or so people, whom I met at AA or Dual Recovery Anonymous, to be included in the book. In the end, I selected five stories that illuminate the most common tendencies of those of us who are dually diagnosed. (Some of the stories that didn’t make it into my book were posted to my blog as the Eccentric of the Month.)
The end result is a memoir and series of mini-biographies that were exhilarating to write. And now the book is available for your personal edification.
I’d like to thank my editor, Jenna Rose Robbins, who from day one constantly reminded me that every word counts. I tip my hat to my bipolar dad, who has thumbed through many a draft and given feedback from the book’s infancy. Thanks to agent Angela Rinaldi, who believed in me early on. Kudos to Dr. Kenneth Minkoff for his enlightenment on recovery. And I would especially like to thank my Eccentrics for sharing their stories.
Lastly, I’d like to send a shout-out to you guys, the readers of my blog. I leave with you the book, which so many of you have been anticipating for years. And I promise to continue blogging for the long haul. Enjoy the book, everyone. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it.
