Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depression) is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to complete daily tasks.
Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder partake in alcohol or drugs to self-medicate if their symptoms go untreated.
Similar to substance abuse, bipolar disorder poses a risk to the individual’s physical and emotional well-being.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe but treatable.
- Periods of intense depression
- Episodes of heightened activity
- An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
Mania
- Moments of tremendous optimism and significant pessimism
- Grandiose feelings
- Rapid speech
- Little sleep
- Impaired judgment, irrational behavior
- Delusional behavior
- Hallucinations
Depression
- Hopeless feelings
- Loss of interest in things that used to make you happy
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Self-loathing
- Suicidal thoughts
Consequences
- Higher rate of relationship problems
- Economic instability
- Accidental injuries
- Suicide
- More likely to develop addiction to drugs or alcohol
Statistics
- About 56% if individuals with bipolar have experienced drug or alcohol addiction
- About 41% had abused drugs or were addicted to drugs
- Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among bipolar individuals
Treatment
Having a dual diagnosis of both bipolar disorder and substance abuse can make recovery even more challenging.
In the past, bipolar disorder and chemical dependency were addressed as separate conditions and treated separately. At Ambrosia, we treat not only substance abuse and addiction but also the mental illness components. Our addiction professionals integrate individualized treatment plans for each client to treat the individual’s body, mind, and soul.
Bipolar treatment encompasses some different strategies, such as:
- Centralized care provided in a single rehabilitation facility
- A collaborative treatment team that includes psychologists, addiction counselors, and bipolar specialists
- Individual psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on managing emotions and minimizing the risk of substance abuse
- Support groups from others who are battling addiction and mood disorders
Testimonial
“I definitely knew there was something going on for years, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. It’s a hard realization to process because of the stigma behind being bipolar and the disease of addiction. But with the support of the specialists at Ambrosia’s West Palm Beach rehabilitation centers and my family back home, it became a huge sigh of relief because finally, I had an answer. I now take the proper medication for my disorder, I work a continuous 12 step program, and I take my life day by day.” – Scott A.
