In modern times, many people are battling their lives with either bipolar disorder or addiction problems. If you have bipolar disorder, a mental health treatment center would be recommended for you. You will also be directed to an addiction treatment facility if you have a problem with addiction. The unintended result of treating addiction and bipolar disorder separately is that neither condition of them is fully treated.

Treating bipolar disorder and addiction together is much more common under dual diagnosis treatment plans. Before we can grasp how they are connected, let’s learn more about each one individually.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder has a mental disorder that can cause a dramatic change in a person’s mood, concentration, activity levels, energy, and ability to carry out daily tasks. Some individuals may even acquire bipolar disorder as a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Genetics and unbalanced chemicals in the brain are the primary causes of bipolar illness. Traumatic recent events or current circumstances can also play a vitalrole.

Types of Bipolar Disorder Episodes

• Manic episodes are defined as periods of extreme happiness or aggression that continue for more than a week.
• Hypomanic episodes have the same symptoms asmanic, but they are milder and last for a shorter period.
• Depressive episodes are characterized by extreme sorrow and lethargy.
• Mixed episodes can be experienced by people with bipolar disorder. Each component from the other three categories is present.

Indications of Bipolar Disorder in a Person

Each individual has a distinct set of bipolar illness symptoms.Here are signs of manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of Manic Episodes

• Attention span is limited
• Overconfidence
• Hyperactivity
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Racing thoughts
• Extreme-level of talkativeness
• Reduce in need to sleep

Symptoms of Depressive Episodes

• Gaining or losing weight
• Feeling fatigued
• Suicidal or dead thoughts
• Uneasiness
• Lack of ability to concentrate
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Lost interest in things

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is often characterized by drug and alcohol abuse that results in physical tolerance and a compulsive drive to use.Both alcohol and drugs are highly addictive substances.When used repeatedly, they can rewire the brain. When someone has a problem with addiction, their daily attention is shifted to finding and using drugs and alcohol.It can ultimately lead to bipolar disorder itself. Here are a few symptoms of addiction.

• Health problems
• Change in behavior
• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest
• Financial or legal problems
• Drug paraphernalia in their home or vehicle

Interconnection between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

A specialist in dual diagnoses can distinguish between the signs of addiction and bipolar disorder. Addiction can sometimes cause bipolar disorder, whilebipolar disease can sometimes cause addiction through self-medication.

For instance, during a manic episode, a person can take cocaine to extend the time when they are highly energized and excited, or they might use depressants like alcohol or sedatives to try to calm themselves down.Engaging in drugs can make the symptoms of bipolar disorder worse. So, people suffering from bipolar disorder need to stay away from harmful substances that can affect their health.

Treatment Methods for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

It is prevalent for dual-diagnosis patients to receive medication and therapy for bipolar disorder and addiction issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two of the best methods to regulate your bipolar disorder and addiction symptoms. It assists in controlling feelings and avoids getting distressed by mood swings.

Group therapy is essential to your recovery if you have bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder. You will gain knowledge of the typical causes and effects that persons with bipolar disorder experience via peer support groups and counseling sessions. You will be able to express your ideas and pick up some helpful tips from others.

Medications can often help with addiction and bipolar disorder. Usually, addiction treatment medication depends on the patient’s drug abuse history. Some bipolar disorder medications include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.

A collaborative team made up of counselors, experts, and doctors is a part of an integrative treatment plan developed by dual diagnosis professionals for comprehensive therapy. Comprehensive treatment that treats both substance misuse and bipolar disorder lowers the risk of relapse and increases the likelihood that the patient will stick with their treatment program.

Different relapse prevention techniques are needed for bipolar illness sufferers to address the triggers of both manic and depressive episodes. If not appropriately evaluated and acknowledged, both kinds of episodes can hinder healing.

Conclusion

Taking bipolar disorder medication as directed by a medical specialist can aid in controlling symptoms. Additionally, it might lessen the desire to use alcohol or drugs as self-medication.Those with both bipolar disorder and addiction must adhere to their treatment plan because they may be more vulnerable to relapses. If a patient is having trouble following their treatment plan, they should talk to their doctor or visit a dual diagnosis treatment center.