Bipolar disorder and addiction are intertwined in a complex web. Though misunderstood, they create unique challenges that make it difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose. Research indicates that bipolar disorder and drug addiction exacerbate the symptoms in both directions. Considering the pervasive nature of both conditions, the individual may feel increasingly enfeebled if medical help isn’t sought.

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry mentions that about 70% of people with bipolar experience drug and alcohol addiction. This further proves the co-existence of these conditions and the likelihood of experiencing both simultaneously. While it remains unclear what triggers the other, they reinforce each other’s impact and complicate recovery. 

Cedar Oaks Wellness Center is a Cincinnati drug and alcohol rehab center that offers treatment for addiction and Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Explained

Bipolar disorder is a condition typified by emotional fluctuations and an inability to regulate emotions. A person with bipolar experiences depression and high manic episodes that can last for days. They first start as a depressed individual and transition to a period of high energy, accompanied by impulsive behavior. Sometimes, the affected person can show a high level of creativity that seems to last for a while, followed by a period of sadness and depression. Bipolar worsens over time if left untreated.

Bipolar can be effectively treated, but not without a thorough and supervised approach. Those who refuse treatment will experience worsened symptoms over time, which complicates the recovery process. This disorder can be challenging to diagnose without diligent evaluation because of its overlapping symptoms with other mental disorders and addiction. An individual may present signs of depression but may not demonstrate manic episodes. If you suspect having bipolar, you need to be aware of the general symptoms of mania and depression since the individual must pass through both phases. The signs include;

• Feeling highly elated
• More active than normal
• Lack of sleep
• Hypersensitivity
• Substance cravings
• Impulsive behavior
• Stuttering and talking too fast
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling like you have the power to do anything
• Feeling influential
• Increased appetite for food, sex, etc.
• Feeling anxious and then depressed
• Restlessness
• Sleeping too much or waking up too early and in a rush
• Talking slowly and finding it difficult to verbalize
• Poor concentration
• Sudden lack of interest in activities
• Feeling worthless

The Relationship Between Bipolar and Addiction

The link between bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction or drug addiction is multifaceted. Individuals with bipolar experience mood swings, from one manic episode to a depressive state. To alleviate this feeling, the individual self-medicates or turns to drugs. Not only does this worsen the feeling, but it leads to substance addiction, creating a vicious cycle.

Bipolar and substance abuse co-occur because of the temporary relief the drugs create. During mania, the individual turns to drugs to reinforce the elation. Conversely, they depend on drugs to escape pain and sadness during a depressive state. Unfortunately, the drugs only create a temporary effect. They indulge in regular intake to maintain the same impact, predisposing them to drug use issues. Without drugs, they seek temporary relief from alcohol to ease their emotional pain. None of these substances alleviate the symptoms altogether. Instead, they worsen the co-occurring disorder.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorder

Co-occurring disorders can be treated, but the dynamics of the complex duality must be understood first. This entails evaluating the individual thoroughly to avoid misdiagnoses. Only then can the correct treatment be administered.

Dual diagnosis treatment is a practical, integrated approach for bipolar and addiction. This approach comprises therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical therapy. They address bipolar and substance abuse simultaneously by alleviating symptoms and teaching coping techniques. 

To recover from this co-occurring disorder, one must imbibe patience and commitment. The road to recovery is tedious, and setbacks may occur. However, individuals can attain long-term sobriety with a proper support system and dedication. Enrolling in Cincinnati addiction treatment programs offering the full continuum of care is essential, as aftercare support is typically provided to help the person integrate into society and live more comfortably.

Cedar Oaks Wellness Offers Co-occurring Disorder Treatment

If you or a loved one faces this challenge, seek help immediately. Remember, sobriety and recovery are attainable with the medical team and facility. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we provide the support and treatment you need to overcome this complex Cincinnati dual diagnosis and live more purposefully. Our therapeutic approaches are tailored to the individual’s needs. Given the complexity of this challenge, we commit ourselves to thoroughly taking care of the individual and providing them with the resources to ensure recovery.

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder often intertwined with addiction, creating a formidable force that’s challenging to break without medical help. While it isn’t clear yet what causes the other, it’s evident that both co-exist. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry disclosed that an estimated 70% of people with bipolar have a history of drug and alcohol addiction.

 When bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction occur, they reinforce each other’s impact, complicating the recovery process. The same goes for when it’s bipolar disorder and drug addiction. As a co-occurring disorder, bipolar and addiction have an intricate relationship that can’t be dealt with single-handedly. This blog delves into bipolar and addiction, exploring the relationship, effect, and treatment using an evidence-based approach.

Contact Cedar Oaks Wellness Center today to learn more about how our Cincinnati drug and alcohol rehab center can help.

Bipolar and Addiction Defined

Bipolar is a common mental health disorder that manifests as mood swings, manic episodes, periods of intensive energy, and impulsivity. It is more than a conventional mood swing; it causes drastic emotional changes. A person with bipolar can be happy this minute and become sad next. They can veer from a depressive state to mania in a short time. Following this period of high intensity are depression and sadness. 

Addiction is the unconscious and uncontrolled need for a substance, usually alcohol or drugs, despite knowing their harmful impacts. An individual addicted to alcohol or drugs experiences the same impulsivity that a person with bipolar has after ingesting the substance. When an individual experiences the two conditions, they are said to have a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Co-occurring disorder makes it complicated for the affected person to live normally. The physical, emotional, and psychological beings are greatly affected.

Why Does Dual Diagnosis Occur?

While no one seems to know what triggers the other, some theories suggest either could trigger both conditions. For example, individuals with bipolar may depend on substances to self-medicate and ease symptoms. Conversely, substance abuse can activate mood swings and worsen bipolar symptoms. This creates a vicious cycle, making recovery complicated without adequate treatment. Intensive treatment is needed to help these individuals regain their lives and live more satisfactorily.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar can be hard to identify in those with a history of substance misuse. The fluctuating mood swings, which are evident in those with this disorder, can also manifest in those undergoing detox. In many cases, substance misuse can intensify the symptoms of bipolar, making it challenging to uncover the cause of the mood swings.

Although the mood swings are typically more intense than the average adult witness in their lives, they follow a pattern and often strike when you least expect them. Its unpredictable nature leaves the individual helpless and uncontrollable. The following are signs of this disorder:

• Despair
• Fatigue
• Fluctuating energy levels
• Insomnia
• Feelings of degradation
• Suicidal thoughts
• Racing thoughts, causing poor concentration
• Poor judgment
• Impulsive behavior
• Feelings of grandiosity

For substance misuse, the signs are;

• Loss of control
• Spending more time indoors. If outdoors, they spend time with people influencing their addiction.
• Increased tolerance
• Uncontrollable and irrational behavior
• Obsessive cravings
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Poor movement coordination
• Weight loss
• Loss of interest in hobbies. They replace their hobbies with substance abuse

Evidence-Based Treatments for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Recovering from the co-occurring disorder of bipolar and drug addiction is possible with the appropriate treatment and support system. Here are the available treatment options:

• Medication: Bipolar disorder is recognized by mood swings, but medications like Lithium can help stabilize them. They can also help address addiction during the detox process. Other medications that can help include antipsychotic drugs and blood pressure medications. These conditions must be treated simultaneously to avoid giving room to the other for growth.
• Integrated Therapy: Holistic and comprehensive therapy programs that cater to bipolar and alcohol addiction can effectively address the dual diagnosis simultaneously. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy have recorded massive successes as dual diagnosis treatments. CBT addresses patterns and behaviors that influence bipolar and addiction, while MET is a collaborative approach that helps define the client’s source of motivation to help them achieve their goals.
• Support Groups: 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can help mitigate the effects of dual diagnosis by providing a sense of community. These platforms foster unity and harmony among members, allowing them to lean on each other for moral support. Coping strategies and relevant educational resources are shared to help with recovery.
• Family Involvement: Involving family members in recovery can help quicken the pace. Family plays a pivotal role in the treatment process by creating a supportive space to accommodate their loved ones as they recover from dual diagnosis.

Seeking Help for Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

Bipolar and addiction are complex conditions that can degrade a person’s life. They are progressive sicknesses that increase in severity if treatment is not sought. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we run different programs that cater to the needs of our clients with co-occurring disorders. Our comprehensive Cincinnati addiction treatment programs use an integrated approach to improve the outcome of this dual diagnosis. Reach out to us now at 1-866-579-0994.