The Dangers of Bipolar Disorder Addiction & the Need for Treatment Help
People living with bipolar disorder experience drastic emotional shifts ranging from out-of-control euphoria to severe depression. Not surprisingly, these conditions place bipolar suffers at high risk of substance abuse.
When combined, bipolar disorder and addiction brings out the worst of both conditions. If you’re struggling with bipolar disorder addiction, understanding the potential dangers associated with this condition can help you make an informed decision as to whether it’s time to get needed treatment help.
Bipolar Disorder Characteristics
Bipolar disorder can take many different forms, with some people experiencing alternating manic and depressive episodes that can last anywhere from hours, days or months at a time. According to Semel Institute, mood states often become so disruptive as to leave a person unable to manage the affairs of everyday life.
Feeling hopeless is a common symptom of bipolar disorder.
Overall, bipolar can take three forms:
- Bipolar I – full-blown, alternating episodes of mania and depression
- Bipolar II – alternating states of hypomania (a less extreme form) and depression
- Cyclothymia – alternating cycles of mild depression and hypomania
As most all forms of psychological disorder breed chemical imbalances in the brain, the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse can quickly make a bad situation worse in the case of bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know struggles with bipolar disorder addiction and are considering getting treatment, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) .
The Dangers of Bipolar Disorder Addiction
Bipolar disorder can produce a range of uncomfortable symptoms, some of which include:
- Racing thoughts
- Low self-esteem
- Fatigue
- Problems concentrating
- Hopelessness
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Agitation
- Restlessness
It’s not uncommon for someone in this condition to turn to drugs or alcohol to gain much needed relief. While this option may provide temporary relief, the effects had on an already unstable brain chemical system can cause considerably more harm than good.
In effect, bipolar disorder addiction can quickly turn into a vicious cycle of substance abuse and uncomfortable symptoms, with bipolar episodes getting worse in severity along the way. Ultimately, substance abuse brings out the very worst in bipolar symptoms over time.
The Intertwined Relationship Between Mood Disorders and Addiction
Mood disorders often lead to substance abuse, and addiction itself can also lead to the development of a mood disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, thoughts about death and suicide are common during a depressive bipolar episode. With bipolar disorder addiction, these feelings become even more intensified to the point where the likelihood a person will act on these thoughts increases considerably.
In terms of manic episodes, feelings of overconfidence, impulsivity and increased energy already place a person at risk of accidents and injury. When combined with the effects of drug or alcohol, the likelihood of accidents increases exponentially.
The Need For Treatment Help
More often than not, bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that can impair a person’s ability to work or develop genuine relationships with others. When left untreated, bipolar disorder addiction becomes increasingly resistant to treatment, which only makes the recovery process more difficult.
While treatment costs often become the deciding factor as to whether a person seeks out needed help, most any form of health insurance coverage will pick up a good portion of your treatment costs. If you or someone you know are considering getting help for bipolar disorder addiction and need help finding a treatment program, please don’t’ hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addiction specialists.
