The GATES of HELL --alcohol was for me. I am approaching 36 years sober in a couple of weeks. If I had not found AA, I would be dead from my drinking and driving or in prison from killing someone else, or dead from health related problems. The song below best describes what was in my head near the end of my drinking, just substitute drinking for lithium. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any addiction is depicted in this powerful song. Most people don't have a problem with any of it, but I did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJGpsL_XYQI