Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: What You Need to Know
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of intense mood swings that range from manic highs to depressive lows. Individuals who suffer from this mental condition may feel extremely energetic, optimistic, and cheerful one week, then suffer from depression, fatigue, and and hopeless the next.
In recent years, scientists have found that bipolar disorder and addiction are strongly linked, in that those with bipolar disorder are more likely to also suffer from addiction due to the nature of bipolar symptoms.
If you or your loved one is suffering from both bipolar disorder and addiction, call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak to an addiction specialist who can provide you with resources and information about available treatments.
Our helpline is available 24/7 for your convenience so you can access guidance and support when you need it the most.
Suffering from a mental disorder and addiction at the same time is known as dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder. If you’re currently suffering from bipolar disorder and/or addiction, here’s what you need to understand about your condition.
The Relationship Between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Substance abuse provides short-lived relief from bipolar symptoms.
Healthcare professionals, scientists, and clinical researchers all have different theories as to how bipolar disorder and addiction are related. Many believe that those with bipolar disorder turn to substance abuse as a way to numb and cope with their manic and depressive symptoms.
For instance, some turn to drugs or alcohol to induce sleep and avoid insomnia; while those who suffer from anxiety and depression may do the same to experience short-lived relief from these symptoms.
Other sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health theorize that substance abuse can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain that trigger bipolar disorder.
Drug and alcohol abuse can alter chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and increase the risk for erratic behavior, emotional instability, and depression. Unfortunately, those with bipolar disorder who suffer from these highs and lows can worsen their mental conditions even more by abusing drugs and alcohol.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
In many cases, symptoms of bipolar disorder and addiction are highly similar, which can make it difficult to diagnose one or both of these conditions. For example, symptoms experienced during the manic phase of bipolar disorder can mirror symptoms of cocaine use, while symptoms experienced during the depressive phase can mirror withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. For this reason, it’s important to consult with an experienced specialist who can recognize the difference between both conditions and make a dual diagnosis.
Call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction specialist who can guide you toward therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers that can properly diagnose bipolar disorder and/or addiction.
Most physicians and treatment centers diagnose bipolar disorder using a series of tests that evaluate your thoughts and feelings, detect the presence of chemical imbalances in the brain, and chart your moods to identify the frequency and length of manic and depressive episodes. Physicians then use this data to determine whether you’re suffering from bipolar disorder, addiction, or both.
https://www.disorders.org/bipolar/bipolar-disorder-treatment-options/
Treating Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
In previous years, individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and addiction received separate treatments for each condition. For instance, bipolar disorder was treated at a psychiatric or mental health facility, while addiction was treated separately through counseling or rehabilitation.
Today, most addiction specialists treat dual-diagnosis cases using an integrated treatment approach, which combines therapy and prescribed medications to help you manage bipolar disorder and addiction at the same time.
With integrated treatment, patients learn how to recognize and manage bipolar disorder triggers that can lead to substance abuse and addiction — lowering the risk for relapse following treatment.
Integrated treatment is often provided at an outpatient or inpatient rehab facility where patients work with addiction counselors, psychologists, and physicians trained in treating co-occurring disorders. Another benefit to integrated treatment is being able to connect with peers who are also overcoming bipolar disorder and addiction. This allows you to bond with like-minded individuals and work together toward overcoming addiction and learning how to manage symptoms.
Seeking treatment for bipolar disorder and addiction can help improve your physical health and emotional well-being, and allow you to work on improving your relationships, financial stability, career, and overall livelihood.
If you’re currently struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, please call our helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction specialist who can offer guidance and support. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get back to enjoying a more stable, fulfilling life.
