People who have untreated mental health concerns may find it more challenging to stay clean and sober if they seek addiction treatment. It’s not uncommon for bipolar and addiction to alcohol or drugs to co-occur.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by significant fluctuations in mood. The person affected by it will go from depression to mania (extreme enthusiasm). In between the lows and the highs, he or she experiences periods of normal mood patterns. This condition is serious enough to pose a threat to a person’s relationships, employment prospects and performance in school. In some cases, the emotional shifts become so difficult to cope with that the person may decide to end his or her own life.
Facts You Need To Know About Bipolar And Addiction
According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s Epidemiologic Catchment Area’s study, a whopping 60.7% of people diagnosed with bipolar I were also diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.- 48% of people diagnosed with bipolar II had a substance use disorder; 46.2% had an alcohol abuse issue and 40.7% had a drug abuse issue. (The numbers do not add up to 100% due to overlap).
- Mood swings and changes in energy levels associated with bipolar disorder can occur very quickly, and without warning to the individual living with the disorder.
- People who have a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and substance abuse often start drinking or using drugs as a way to numb the symptoms of their mental illness and try to normalize their moods.
- Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and drug addiction can appear very similar, such as depression, feeling hopeless, mood swings, withdrawal from friends and family, and anxiety.
According to the Find The Right Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
A person who has a co-occurring bipolar disorder and an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol needs the right type of treatment if he or she is going to achieve long-term sobriety.
Here at Maryland Recovery, we specialize in treating clients who are living with a mental illness and addiction. We understand that bipolar and addiction treatment must be approached carefully and that both conditions must be treated together.
Each client that we work with receives an individualized treatment plan designed to meet his or her specific needs. We offer one of the most unique bipolar and addiction programs in Maryland and our clients get a high level of support every step of the way on their journey to recovery.
Find Out How We Offer A Superior Degree Of Support To Those With Dual Diagnosis, By Calling Us Now!
Reviewed by Christopher Schwartfigure MS, LGPC, CAC-AD
