For those living with Bipolar Disorder (BD), this mood disorder is best described as a tornado violently ripping through your life with unpredictable episodes of mania and depression. Also known as Manic Depression, BD is characterized by emotional transitions between periods of euphoria/impulsivity and severe depression with hints of paranoia and anxiety. Extreme mood swings interfere with the functions of daily life at work, with family and other interpersonal relationships. If you’re not sure about the symptoms of BD, be on the alert for these signs:
• Disorganized thinking (e.g., major evidence of clutter in the house and car)
• Inappropriate responses to upsetting triggers (e.g., laughing hysterically when you should be sad)
• Incessant, uncontrollable crying for no reason
• Use of profanity when you generally don’t curse at all
• Restlessness and euphoria
• Impulsivity (e.g., making large purchases on a whim)
• Erratic behavior at work or inability to hold down a job
There are three main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. The first usually requires psychiatric hospitalization in extreme circumstances, but symptoms vary widely from one person to another. The second is a milder form and the third is characterized by brief episodes of depressive and manic symptoms. To cope with the emotional pain associated with Bipolar Disorder, individuals often turn to alcohol to numb feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideations.
What’s the connection between Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism?
According to research, Bipolar Disorder (BD) is the highest-ranking co-occurring disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). Combined with alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), individuals with SUDs are more likely to be hospitalized. Described as a complex comorbidity, bipolar disorder could be a drug-induced mood disorder or an affective disorder leading to substance abuse. According to Medscape, individuals with a family history of mood disorders are likely to develop BD after they start using or abusing drugs; if someone already has a pre-existing condition of BD, alcoholism would only worsen its clinical course.
How Is Bipolar Disorder (BD) treated?
To effectively treat the comorbidity of Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder, these must be addressed in the same setting, such as a dual diagnosis treatment center for substance abuse addiction. Evidence-based practices like psychotherapy and pharmacologic interventions are utilized by addiction professionals; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one such form of psychotherapy, which, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is synonymous with “talk therapy,” a face-to-face treatment modality used to elicit self-disclosure.
Nutritional counseling is also commonly used as a natural, holistic alternative treatment for Manic Depression. Having a well-balanced diet is essential to managing moods, and a skilled nutritionist helps clients develop a meal plan that will inevitably improve their overall recovery.
About New Method Wellness
Consistently recommended by Dr. Phil, New Method Wellness is one of the nation’s best centers for addiction. A premier drug and alcohol rehab center, New Method Wellness uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders like Bipolar Disorder (BD). Evidence suggests that when bipolar disorder-specific psychotherapies are integrated with pharmacological interventions, treatment outcomes are consistently better over time. Our addiction therapists have assisted thousands of clients with BD overcome alcoholism and addiction to other drugs; our nationally recognized programs integrate holistic treatment modalities and evidence-based practices to heal the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
For more information about our treatment programs, contact us today!
