Challenges and Solutions in Treating Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by intense changes in mood. When these two things are combined, individuals can genuinely struggle to cope with either successfully. Dual-diagnosis treatment is essential to support individuals with both mental health concerns.
In this article, we’ll go over the unique challenges that arise when treating bipolar disorder and addiction together and discuss some of the solutions that Liberty Wellness provides to combat these issues.
To learn more about bipolar disorder and addiction, speak with an intake coordinator at Liberty Wellness NJ today.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania, you may feel euphoric, full of energy, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
Bipolar disorder is challenging to diagnose. Individuals who go undiagnosed often utilize substances to mitigate the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Prevalence of Substance Use in Bipolar Disorder
The co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and addiction, particularly to drugs and alcohol, is well-documented in the medical literature. Studies reveal that people with bipolar disorder are more likely to have a substance use disorder than the general population. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 7 million people in the United States have bipolar disorder. It’s estimated that 21.7–59% of these individuals will also develop a substance use disorder.
Substance use disorders associated with bipolar disorder encompass a wide range of substances, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and more. There is a general consensus that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, followed by cannabis and other illicit drugs.
The Impact of Substance Use on Bipolar Disorder
The use of substances can have a significant impact on the course of bipolar disorder. It can lead to worse clinical outcomes, including increased severity of manic and depressive symptoms, more frequent mood episodes, and higher rates of suicide attempts. Additionally, people with bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders often have a poorer response to treatment and a higher rate of hospitalizations. Individuals struggling with addiction and bipolar disorder are usually recommended for inpatient treatment.
Challenges in Treating Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
The simultaneous presence of bipolar disorder and addiction presents unique challenges for treatment providers.
Diagnostic Challenges
One of the initial struggles with these disorders is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of substance use disorder can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder, making it difficult to assess the two conditions independently. For instance, substances like cocaine or amphetamines can induce symptoms similar to a manic episode, while substances like alcohol or sedatives can lead to symptoms resembling a depressive episode.
Treatment Compliance
Another challenge is treatment compliance. Individuals struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction may have difficulty adhering to treatment regimens. The problem in following treatment instructions could be due to various factors, including the complexity of managing multiple conditions, the side effects of medication, or a lack of motivation due to depressive symptoms or substance use.
Solutions for Treating Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Despite these challenges, effective strategies exist for treating individuals with co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy are critical components of treating bipolar disorder and addiction.
One of the most effective strategies is adopting a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Rather than treating one disease first and then the other, integrated treatment involves addressing both needs simultaneously. This approach recognizes that both conditions are interconnected and that treating them together can lead to better outcomes.
Medication can be crucial in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder and addiction. Mood stabilizers such as lithium or antipsychotic medications can be beneficial for managing mood symptoms in bipolar disorder, while certain medications may also be effective in treating substance use disorders.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of treatment for both bipolar disorder and addiction. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn to manage symptoms of both conditions by identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Other forms of treatment, such as family therapy or group therapy, can provide additional support and coping strategies.
Liberty Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Liberty Wellness is a comprehensive treatment center designed to support individuals with dual-diagnosis disorders. Through our comprehensive treatment plans, clients can focus on holistically healing their mind and body. Dealing with complex conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, clients can focus on healing the root cause of their addiction.
With Liberty Wellness, the treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs, recognizing the unique challenges of co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction. The center’s approach includes medication management, psychotherapy, and supportive services designed to address all individual health aspects and encourage holistic healing.
The team at Liberty Wellness is committed to providing compassionate, expert care. They understand the complexities of treating co-occurring disorders and are dedicated to supporting each individual on their journey toward recovery. By focusing on holistic healing and individualized treatment, Liberty Wellness helps individuals manage their bipolar disorder and overcome addiction.
