• Skip to main content
anaheimlighthouse.com
Your Beacon of Hope!
Questions? Call Now(877) 959-5909
  • About Us
  • What We Treat
  • Treatment Options
  • Our Facility
  • Admissions
  • Learn About
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Awards & Recognitions
  • Yelp & Google Reviews
  • Client Testimonials
  • Accreditation & Licensing
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Press Releases
  • Alchohol Abuse
  • Drug Addiction
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Trauma Victims
  • Veterans Program
  • Holistic Treatment
  • Specialties
  • Detox Alcohol & Drugs
  • Drug Rehab
  • Inpatient Rehab
  • Complete Residential Care
  • Partial Hospitalization
  • Intensive Outpatient
  • Intervention
  • Family Support
  • Verify Insurance
  • Financing Options
  • Coronavirus Safety Procedures
  • Alcoholism
  • Life in Recovery
  • Health and Wellness
  • Opioid Addiction
  • Love and Relationships
  • Family Resources
  • Relapse and Recovery
  • Behavioral Addictions
  • Co-Occuring Disorders
  • Opioid Drugs
  • Sleeping Pills
  • Stimulants
  • Society

Home > Co-Occuring Disorders Dual Diagnosis > Bipolar Disorder

In This Article hide
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Linking Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Triggers of Bipolar Disorder
Observable Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Coping Strategies for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment Options for Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

Confidential Contact Form

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Privacy Policy

Bipolar Disorder And Addiction

It is not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to also suffer from addiction. In fact, research shows that as many as 61% of people with bipolar disorder also have a history of addiction. The most common addictions among people with bipolar disorder are alcohol and drugs.

In this article, we will take a closer look at bipolar disorder and addiction, and how the two conditions affect each other. We will also explore the treatment options available for people who suffer from both bipolar disorder and addiction.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition that causes sudden shifts in mood. The person suffering from bipolar disorder may experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).

The shift in moods is unpredictable, so there are instances when the person is confused about what mood is being felt at the moment. Based on clinical studies, there are four types of bipolar disorders: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymia, and other forms.

Many people with bipolar disorder also struggle with other mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression. A lot of times, these conditions are left untreated because the person is not aware that they have bipolar disorder in the first place.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Linking Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Two things can happen with bipolar disorder and addiction: when the person has bipolar disorder before they became addicted, or when the addiction caused the bipolar disorder.

There is a high risk for people who have bipolar disorder to become addicted because they cannot always control their moods. People with bipolar disorder often self-medicate or drink alcohol to ease their unstable behavior.

Meanwhile, abusing substances or alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. This, in turn, affects the stability of the patient’s mood and behavior which leads to co-occurring mental disorders like bipolar disorder.

A lot of times, however, it’s very difficult to exactly pinpoint which came first: the addiction or the bipolar disorder. It is important to seek professional help to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Triggers of Bipolar Disorder

Several things can trigger a mood shift. People with bipolar disorder need to be aware of these triggers and take steps to avoid them or deal with them positively. The top triggers are listed below.

  1. Traumatic past experiences
  2. Lack of sleep
  3. Substance addiction
  4. Alcoholism
  5. Weather mood disorder: There is no scientific evidence yet to show a solid relationship between moods and weather. For instance, during the rainy season or in winter, people tend to have a gloomy mood, whereas, a happy feeling is felt during the summer or spring.
  6. A change in body hormones is frequently applicable to women as their menstrual cycle starts.
  7. Setting a goal and the possibility of not getting it will cause a sudden shift in mood.

Bipolar Disorder Addiction Treatment

Observable Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The most common symptom of bipolar disorder is an unusual change in mood. Some common symptoms are listed below:

Five Signs of a Manic Episode:

  • Higher chance of doing unhealthy behaviors like drinking, abusing drugs, or smoking
  • Very sensitive and easily irritated
  • Feeling of highness
  • Intense level of energy
  • Cannot think straight because a lot of things run in the person’s head

Five Signs of Depressive Episode:

  • Spacing out
  • A hollow or empty feeling inside
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Suicidal attempts and thoughts
  • Lack of enthusiasm

Coping Strategies for Bipolar Disorder

There are plenty of variables that can affect the recovery of any patient from bipolar disorder. Here are some practical tips so one can efficiently cope with this mental condition.

  1. Living a balanced and healthy life – Getting enough sleep, having a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help stabilize the mood.
  2. Avoiding triggers – As much as possible, stay away from anything that can trigger a sudden change in mood.
  3. Staying positive and optimistic – A positive outlook in life helps reduce stress levels. It can also prevent the occurrence of depressive episodes.
  4. Practicing friendly and open communication with family and others – Discussing openly the condition can help ease anxiety and prevent any misunderstanding.
  5. Joining a support group – Being with people who understand what you are going through can provide encouragement and motivation.
  6. Practicing Self-Awareness – Knowing your triggers, symptoms, and early warning signs can help you manage the condition better.

Bipolar Disorder

Treatment Options for Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

Addiction and bipolar disorder are both serious mental health conditions that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. While there are many similarities between the two disorders, they also have some important differences. As a result, it is often necessary to seek out dual diagnosis treatment to effectively address both conditions.

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to provide comprehensive care for patients who are struggling with both addiction and bipolar disorder.

This type of treatment usually involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. Dual diagnosis treatment facilities typically have staff members who are specifically trained to deal with the unique challenges of these disorders.

By seeking out a dual diagnosis treatment facility, patients can receive the specialized care they need to recover from their illnesses and live healthy, productive lives.

We Accept Insurance

Don’t see your provider? Contact us to confirm coverage.

BlueCrossAssociation
core-source
meritain-health
multiplan
aetna
valueoptions
beacon
ameri-health
Triwest-logo1

3 Easy Options to Get Started or Learn More

You Call Us

We are here to answer your questions. Learn about detox, treatment, costs, or anything else. Give us a call now.
(877) 959-5909

We Call You

Complete this secure form to receive a fast response from our support team
  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Verify Your Insurance

Quickly confirm your coverage using our fast & easy verification system. We accept most insurances (and financing).
Verify My Insurance
carf-international-logo-1-1 dhcs LOGO main_logo-1 tpas-1
Anaheim Lighthouse Logo
  • About Us
  • What We Treat
  • Treatment Options
  • Our Facility
  • Admissions
  • Learn About
  • Contact Us

Connect With Us

(877) 959-5909
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3iC5RfaDKJtxZ2ElpR_z6g https://www.facebook.com/anaheimlighthouse https://www.instagram.com/anaheimlighthouse https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=10137502278264528885&hl=en&_ga=2.115856006.1810716125.1602095673-2075768318.1587360385

1320 West Pearl Street, Anaheim, CA 92801

Licensed and Certified by the State Department of Health Care Services 300188GP Exp 5/31/2026
Certified by the State Department of Health Care Services 300188FP Exp 5/31/2025

Copyright © 2023 Anaheim Lighthouse. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | HIPAA Policy | Web Accessibility