This particular girl was taking Xanax. I have heard it is habit forming but that is about all I know.
Xanax was proven to be effective for only 6 weeks over the placebo during FDA trials—and it also is highly addictive....and the withdrawal symptom for Xanax is ANXIETY worse than the patient started with.....
I took lithium for a short while years ago...turned me into a zombie. Went from there to Tegretol and Depakote (much more effective but frankly dealing with the medication was worse than the disease itself).
I haven't taken medication for over 12 years and have not had a single manic episode since getting off. Very serious stuff though...going without medication takes a very real commitment to life style changes. Very little room for error.
BTW, many folks with this disorder are quite successful in their careers...it is not at all a kiss of death. Obviously, certain careers are better than others. Rock musician is probably out of the question (though many with this ailment are creative types).
As said, it takes some serious maturity to deal with it effectively.