Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

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Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

More commonly known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is especially risky to couple with addiction. Is bipolar disorder caused by drug use? Yes, it can happen.

That’s because addiction and bipolar disorder, causes physical and emotional damage to your well-being.

To better understand this correlation, according to statistics presented by the American Journal of Managed Cares Bipolar Disorder and Addiction:

  • “About 56 percent of individuals with bipolar who participated in a national study had experienced drug or alcohol addiction during their lifetime.
  • Approximately 46 percent of that group had abused alcohol or were addicted to alcohol.
  • About 41 percent had abused drugs or were addicted to drugs.
  • Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among bipolar individuals.”

Read on to learn more about addiction and bipolar disorder and how we can help.

Understanding Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)s An Introduction to Bipolar Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders, “Bipolar disorder is a serious, chronic mental illness characterized by unusual changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of bipolar disorder are important because the illness carries a high risk of suicide and can severely impair academic and work performance, social and family relationships, and quality of life.”

There are three types of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder, each with similarities to one another.

It’s especially important to understand the differences when understanding addiction coupled with bipolar disorder. It’s also key to understand that the answer to the question, “Is a bipolar disorder caused by drug use?” is yes, it can be.

Addiction and Bipolar Disorder: Forms of Bipolar

These different diagnoses are important to establish so we can better treat addiction in the sufferer. Bipolar I Disorder is defined by episodes of mania lasting around seven days. Usually, these episodes require hospitalization to treat the disorder effectively.

Sufferers of Bipolar I also have depressive episodes lasting up to two weeks or longer that can also be linked to manic episodes. Bipolar II is similarly defined by depressive and manic-like episodes that do not become fully exacerbated.

They can sometimes be more easily treated. Cyclothymic Disorder episodes tend to be defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depression symptoms.

These can constantly linger for two years or longer. And remember, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s Bipolar Disorder, “Sometimes a person might experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not match the three categories listed above, which is referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”

Addiction Coinciding With Bipolar Disorder

Many sufferers of both addiction and Bipolar I or II will have side effects of both disorders that can coincide. We know that this can make recovery even more difficult.

Addiction, a form of mental illness itself, when combined with Bipolar I or II can make your recovery seem nearly impossible. Most sufferers are not aware that they are mentally ill, let alone that they have a substance abuse addiction.

If you are diagnosed as bipolar, doctors will usually prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotics. None of these will work effectively if you are actively abusing an addictive substance. Either or can and will exacerbate the other, multiplying the effects of both bipolar and addiction simultaneously.

Effects of Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

Note, you can experience substance-induced bipolar disorder, which we discuss below. This is because drugs change your brain chemistry. Therefore, because of substance abuse or addiction, you could experience bipolar disorder or bipolar episodes.

If you are abusing or are addicted to any substances, it’s important to understand the signs of bipolar disorder. Please let us know if you have experienced any of these bipolar-like symptoms. Note that these may be similar to the regular effects of drugs:

Signs of a Manic Episode:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Excessive self-confidence
  • Engaging in risky behavior
  • Lack of sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Short attention span

Signs of a Major Depressive Episode:

  • Days-long depression
  • Worthlessness and hopelessness
  • Restlessness and insomnia
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of concentration
  • Suicidal thoughts

Addiction and Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health

At Resurgence Behavioral Health in California, we understand the difficulty in treating an addiction while dealing with bipolar disorder. We offer alcohol rehab, drug rehab, and both to treat any substance abuse.

We are here to ensure you will beat any addictions you come in with. To do that, we offer detox programs, rehabilitation programs, and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) post-recovery. We also have a variety of counseling options to treat your mental illness alongside your addictions.

Read on to learn more about our treatment options.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

We understand that you may have to approach recovery differently due to your mental state and the drugs you are using. Our outpatient drug and alcohol treatment are alternative options for those who cannot attend our residential program.

It is ideal for employed people and cannot leave their jobs or those who cannot leave their families. It is also a more affordable option. Each inpatient facility provides close supervision by highly trained staff, 24-hour medical care, individual and group therapy sessions, healthy meal options, and a relaxing environment.

Our Approach to Rehabilitation

We take a customized, patient-centric approach to rehabilitation. We understand addiction and bipolar disorder need special attention. If you come to us for help, we will begin by completing an assessment to devise a plan for your full recovery.

Our treatment programs address all the underlying conditions for addiction to allow you to take ownership of your recovery. Our customized approach, coupled with our staff of highly motivated and well-trained professionals, ensure that you or your loved one will receive excellent care during and after treatment.

  • Some of the rehabilitation treatments we offer include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT
  • Stress Management
  • Group Therapy
  • Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings

Intensive Outpatient Program

If you complete recovery with us in an inpatient or outpatient setting, please check out our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). In IOP, you will have the flexibility to maintain much of your normal daily routine while working on maintaining sobriety.

IOP is a good treatment option if you do not have the means to leave your job or if you have to stay home for any other reason. You will receive support from therapy groups and gain the ability to apply the skills you learned during treatment, all while maintaining your normal lifestyle.

Affordable Payment Plans and Insurance Coverage

We firmly believe that every patient should receive the best care possible to treat your addiction. And this means not having to worry about the cost, especially while simultaneously managing bipolar disorder.

At Resurgence, we will build your treatment plan at an affordable cost while still providing the best care possible. For our services, we accept most PPO insurance as well as private forms of payment for treatment. We will also communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf to ensure that you or your loved one is provided with a custom recovery program for your situation without the high cost.

Contact Us

We are here to help and support you through finding your truest self while leaving your most destructive self behind.

We understand what it takes to get you through your addiction and the emotional and psychological support you’ll need from us to become your best self.

Contact us today with questions or concerns.