If you are struggling with both bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder, it is important to understand the link between them. While not everyone with bipolar disorder will develop an addiction, research shows that about 50% will. Here we’ll examine the link between bipolar and addiction, and provide treatment solutions as well.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is an affective disorder, also referred to as a mood disorder. Bipolar features sudden and extreme mood shifts between manic and depressive episodes.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder will vary between individuals suffering from the condition, as there are four different types. They include:
- Bipolar I. Involves one or more manic episodes, with or without depressive episodes. The mania must be severe enough that stabilization is required and it lasts a week or longer.
- Bipolar II. Features the shifting between the less severe hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder. Features repeated mood shifts between depressive and hypomanic that persist for more than two years.
- Otherwise unspecified bipolar disorder. When the symptoms do not fit into the other three types but still involve episodes of unusual manic mood.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not yet fully understood, although there are some risk factors that have been identified. These include:
- Biological. Imbalances in brain chemistry may be involved in mood disorders. Also, the brain structure itself is different on brain scans in those with bipolar disorder.
- Environmental. Includes growing up in an unstable home, history of abuse or neglect, sudden death of a parent, and chronic stress.
- Genetic. Mood disorders often run in families, with generations having depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
- Substance abuse. A substance use disorder can increase the risk of developing bipolar-like symptoms. Certain substances, such as cocaine, sedatives, and hallucinogens can cause symptoms that mimic bipolar.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The disorder features intense mood swings, with depressive episodes usually predominant. Symptoms include:
Manic episode symptoms:
- Elated, euphoric mood
- High energy
- Increased activity levels
- Insomnia
- Rapid speech
- Irritability
- Jumpiness, hyperarousal
- Feelings of grandiosity
- Racing thoughts
- Engage in high-risk behaviors
- Takes on multiple tasks at once
To manage the oncoming signs of a manic episode, the person should:
- Make sure they have taken the medication
- Seek support from a doctor
- Use relaxation techniques
- Touch base with a bipolar support group
Depressive episode symptoms:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, empty
- Very low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased activity level
- Forgetful
- Overeating or not eating enough
- Excessive worry
- Lack of joy or pleasure
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Excessive fatigue
- Thoughts of suicide
To manage an emerging depressive episode, the person should:
- Reach out to their psychiatrist
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Seek out a bipolar support group
Bipolar and Co-Occurring Addiction
People who struggle with bipolar often turn to substances to help reduce the symptoms. They use the substance to self-medicate the symptoms, which can lead to a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Co-occurring disorders are very prevalent among those with bipolar. The most common substance of abuse for individuals with bipolar is alcohol. Alcohol has calming effects, so when someone is in a manic episode it can quiet the symptoms down. A dual diagnosis treatment program is the best setting for someone with both bipolar and addiction.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Bipolar and Addiction?
A dual diagnosis treatment program is the best setting for someone struggling with both bipolar and a substance abuse problem. The dual diagnosis treatment protocol involves a melding of psychiatric treatment with addiction recovery treatment. Not all rehabs offer dual diagnosis expertise.
The current protocol for treating someone with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is to treat both together. It has been found that treating only the bipolar and ignoring the addiction only offers a temporary effect.
To truly sustain recovery, both disorders must be addressed by professionals from the appropriate medical specialties: psychiatry, and addiction recovery. Therefore, a dual diagnosis treatment program will likely begin with a medical detox to help stabilize the individual before starting treatment.
Treatment Solutions for Bipolar and Substance Use Disorder
People dealing with both bipolar and addiction will do best at a residential dual diagnosis treatment center. These programs provide the structure and expertise needed to overcome both disorders. Most will begin their treatment journey with medical detox and withdrawal.
Treatment elements include:
- Medication: Mood stabilizers, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of bipolar.
- Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and correct the irrational behavior patterns associated with bipolar disorder. In addition to CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy and family-focused therapy are helpful as well. To assist with the comorbid substance use disorder, psychotherapy might include CBT, contingency management, and motivational interviewing.
- Holistic activities. You’ll engage in a variety of holistic activities that can help them manage stress levels and enhance relaxation. These might be yoga, acupuncture, guided meditation, cupping therapy, and massage therapy.
Lifestyle Actions that Support Bipolar and Addiction Recovery
People with bipolar disorder will benefit from healthy lifestyle habits and holistic methods that improve quality of life. These include:
- Keeping a sleep routine. A daily sleep schedule helps set your internal clock and results in a more stable mindset throughout the day.
- Mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness helps alert you when ruminating thoughts begin to signal a manic or depressive episode coming on. It teaches you to redirect your focus away from the obsessive thoughts.
- Regular exercise. Daily exercise benefits both disorders in recovery, as it reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and boosts mood state.
- Practicing yoga. Yoga has several benefits for people in recovery, such as providing stress relief and cultivating a calm mindset.
- Keeping a journal. A great practice for someone managing bipolar is to keep a daily journal. This can help you detect patterns in thoughts or moods that may alert you to an oncoming mania or depression.
Pacific Bay Recovery Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Bipolar and Addiction
Pacific Bay Recovery is a trusted dual diagnosis treatment center for individuals struggling with bipolar and addiction. If you or someone you care about has this complex dual diagnosis, please reach out for support today at (619) 350-8220
