Is There a Link Between Addiction and Bipolar Disorder?
Although there is no direct cause of bipolar disorder, there is a strong link between the mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). Some individuals with addiction and bipolar disorder self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. It may help families to become aware of the hidden signs of substance use as well as the warning signs of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Learning to recognize addiction can prevent an unwanted relapse. Knowing substance withdrawal symptoms can not only be problematic but life-threatening, moving forward with medical detox at Restoration Recovery can help.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in an individual’s mood. An individual may experience a shift in their mood that ranges from euphoria to intense sadness. Manic and depressive episodes can make it difficult to function on a day-to-day basis.
An individual facing challenges with this psychiatric disorder may experience changes in their cognitive and behavioral patterns. Their level of energy may fluctuate as well as their sleeping patterns. This can make it difficult to manage daily tasks and interfere with their academic progress, work performance, and ability to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder
Millions of adults in the U.S. are affected by bipolar disorder. The onset of bipolar disorder typically begins in an individual’s teen years to early twenties. Nonetheless, this mental illness can occur at any age regardless of one’s race or gender. Although uncomfortable symptoms may persist, those who develop a treatment plan and are willing to stay dedicated to care are capable of managing their symptoms successfully. Even though there is no direct cause of bipolar disorder, common factors that play a role in the development of the condition include:
- Having a history of trauma
- Genetics
- Substance abuse
- Abnormal brain structure
What Is the Link Between Addiction and Bipolar Disorder?
Experiencing frequent periods of highs and lows can feel very overwhelming. The effects of untreated bipolar disorder can make one’s life feel as if it is spiraling out of control. Mental instability can feel frightening for some individuals facing challenges coping with their condition. If the condition is left unmanaged, an individual may feel an urge to take their condition into their own hands. Some individuals choose to do so for fear of judgment or hurtful stigma from others. It is common to think no one could understand because they may not understand themselves. Therefore, substance use is a common problem for those experiencing problems with their mental health.
Research indicates that although it may not be clear why those with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of addiction, a wide body of research reported that neurobiological and genetic underpinnings play a role. Modifications of one’s DNA makeup can also be a factor. Not only do those diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience problems with substance use, but it impacts their family and friends. Healthcare professionals and the entire mental health system may experience a great burden as well. Prolonged substance use can worsen one’s state of health and negatively interfere with many aspects of one’s life.
Link Between Addiction and Bipolar Disorder: The Warning Signs of Substance Use Disorder
According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), those who experience problems with SUD commonly downplay their condition or attempt to hide their symptoms from loved ones. This may be done in fear of disappointing family and friends, and feeling further shame and guilt for their condition. Family members may worry for various reasons, but learning to recognize the warning signs of SUD can potentially save a loved one’s life. Common warning signs include:
- Bloodshot eyes or large or small pupils
- Changes to one’s appetite
- A disheveled appearance or poor grooming habits
- Sniffling or runny nose
- Weight fluctuations
- Slurred speech
- Engaging in suspicious or impulsive behaviors
- Driving under the influence or frequently getting into trouble with the law
- Suddenly changing a group of friends
- Abandoning enjoyable activities or withdrawing from family or friends
Link Between Addiction and Bipolar Disorder: Substance Withdrawal Symptoms
Not many individuals are aware that withdrawal symptoms may not just be uncomfortable, they can also be fatal. Discontinuing drugs or alcohol is not as easy as it may seem. SUD is a chronic brain disease and can be taxing on one’s mental and physical health. Those with severe SUD who discontinue using drugs or alcohol may be at an increased risk of enduring dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Based on the aforementioned IHS study, certain withdrawal symptoms may make one feel trapped in the cycle of addiction for fear of getting sick or experiencing life-threatening symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms one should look for include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Co-occurring depression or anxiety
- Profuse sweating
- Tremors
- Severe mood swings
The Value of Moving Forward With Restoration Recovery’s Medical Detox Therapy
Knowing that a dual diagnosis can be highly difficult to treat and that withdrawal symptoms can be fatal, medical detox therapy can help. Medical detox does not necessarily cure addiction but can bring great relief. Detoxing can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce substance cravings. Medical detox therapy is generally required before entering treatment. Moving forward with medical detox can help to reduce the likelihood of having a relapse and improve one’s ability to focus while receiving professional care. Restoration Recovery’s medical detox therapy can help individuals experiencing problems with their mental health and addiction achieve stabilization.
In 2021, over 82 million people aged 18 or older in the United States had either a substance use or mental health disorder in the past year. At Restoration Recovery Center, our medical detox provides a secure environment to safely withdraw from uncomfortable symptoms under the supervision of trained nurses and doctors. Read on to learn more about medical detox and how our medical detox in Sacramento works. Clients in medical detox are typically monitored 24/7 by a trained staff of nurses and doctors to ease discomfort and assist in preventing potentially life-threatening complications. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to gain more information on medical detox for a safe transition into treatment.
