If you have bipolar disorder, it may serve as one of the underlying causes of addiction. The intense mood swings that occur with bipolar disorder can take over your life. Unfortunately, many people who have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders choose to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we address both disorders during the detox process. Contact our team today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about our treatment programs.
The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Far too many people with bipolar disorder have a history of substance abuse. While drugs and alcohol can temporarily alleviate some of the emotional distress, they ultimately make matters worse. Additionally, those who have substance use disorders often develop bipolar disorder. Our dedicated psychotherapists and medical team strive to help each client face their physical and mental health challenges together to avoid relapse.
Our dual diagnosis detox treatment helps you understand the connection between bipolar disorder and substance misuse. We get you through the critical early stages of withdrawal so that you can move on to a comprehensive recovery program that addresses the underlying causes of addiction.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Previously known as manic depression, bipolar disorder comes with intense, sudden mood changes. You may have episodes that go on for several days or weeks. Some people go through these new changes on an ongoing basis, while others have episodes less frequently. Over time, these mood swings can drain you of energy and make it difficult to concentrate.
An imbalance in brain chemistry can trigger bipolar disorder. Family history of bipolar disorder and traumatic events contribute to the development of this mental health issue. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder leads to relationship issues, suicidal tendencies, and drug and alcohol addiction when left untreated.
Types of Bipolar Episodes
Here are the four main categories of bipolar episodes:
- Manic: Manic episodes lead to intensely hostile or cheerful mood swings. They can last for up to a week or longer and sometimes require hospitalization and medication.
- Hypomanic episodes: Hypomanic episodes resemble manic episodes but last about four days, with less severe symptoms.
- Major depressive episodes: During these low periods, you experience depression and become uninterested in doing your favorite activities. Depressive episodes may last up to two weeks and often classify as clinical depression.
- Mixed episodes: As suggested by the name, these episodes include elements of hypomanic, manic, and major depressive bipolar episodes.
Categories of Bipolar Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the two categories of bipolar disorder include bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I includes mainly manic and mixed episodes that devolve into depressive episodes. In contrast, bipolar II consists of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Of the two, bipolar I has the most severe consequences.
Self-Medication
One of the leading causes of addiction is the self-medication of mental health disorders. If you experience bipolar episodes, you may resort to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of depression or other unpleasant, intense feelings. For a while, you may feel a little better. However, these substances impact your brain chemistry and can intensify bipolar episodes.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
As part of our luxury detox center in Jupiter, we offer medical detox programs that address co-occurring substance and mental health disorders.
Some of our programs include the following:
If you have bipolar and drug or alcohol use disorders, our therapists will work with you to obtain a proper diagnosis. You can begin working on understanding your mental health condition and finding positive ways to alleviate the symptoms. Contact us at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today to escape the cycle of emotional swings triggered or followed by substance abuse. There’s a better way to deal with your bipolar disorder, and we can help you find it.
