Author: Charles Frank
5 Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use
Both tend to occur more frequently in people who have a family member with the condition. Researchers haven’t identified a clear link between bipolar disorder and AUD, but there are a few possibilities. It is also important to be aware of the signs of burnout and make sure to take breaks when needed. It is important to remember that one’s own mental and emotional health should always be prioritized. Online communities help you talk to people, share your experiences and learn from others.
Therapy and other treatment strategies are important in managing bipolar disorder, but so is medication. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other drugs help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of mood cycles. The first step in living with a bipolar alcoholic is to understand the disorder itself.
- If you have bipolar disorder, avoiding anything within your control that triggers or exacerbates your symptoms may help with recovery.
- Many inpatient and outpatient programs help deal with both disorders, ideally eliminating the cravings for alcohol and stabilizing bipolar disorder.
- He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
- Staff often visit you at home and liaise with other services, such as your GP or social services.
- A psychiatrist and/or addiction specialist can provide the necessary support and guidance in managing symptoms and developing healthy coping strategies.
Some people with bipolar disorder find they can stop misusing alcohol and drugs once they’re using effective treatment. A person with bipolar disorder experiences mood swings and other symptoms. Alcohol can affect a person with bipolar disorder differently, compared with someone who does not have it. A person with bipolar disorder can also be more likely than others to misuse alcohol. For both conditions, a healthcare provider usually performs a physical and psychological health assessment. To receive a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis, you must have had at least one major depressive episode.
The Mix Of Alcohol And Bipolar Disorder
During a depressive episode, a person will already be experiencing a low mood and perhaps lethargy. Consuming alcohol while feeling depressed can intensify lethargy and reduce inhibitions. In the United States, about 4.4 percent of adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
A healthy diet, combined with exercise, may also help limit weight gain, which is a common side effect of medical treatments for bipolar disorder. Eating well and keeping fit can help reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder, particularly the depressive symptoms. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery. Submit your number to receive a call today from a treatment provider.
Depressive Symptoms and Alcohol
People with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder should work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best medication regimen to manage symptoms. Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder (also called alcoholism and alcohol addiction) frequently occur together. It is estimated that 40% to 70% of individuals with bipolar disorder will be diagnosed with AUD during their lifetimes. Although the connection between these two disorders isn’t entirely clear, some factors seem to contribute. Supporting someone with bipolar disorder and alcoholism can be challenging. It is important to be patient and understanding and to offer unconditional love and support.
Call now to connect with a treatment provider and start your recovery journey. Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder have a 60 percent chance of developing a drinking problem at some point in their lives. A mixed state of mind often occurs in this type of disorder with intense feelings of euphoria or excitement. Only this stage of happiness deteriorates as it is followed by extreme sadness and a bountiful sense of depression.
Some people use alcohol alongside their prescription drugs, adding to the risk. People with bipolar disorder often use medications to stabilize their symptoms. Alcohol misuse and bipolar disorder can also produce overlapping symptoms, and they may trigger each other in some circumstances. Whether a person consumes or misuses alcohol during a manic or depressive phase, it can be hazardous and possibly life-threatening for them and for those around them. The effects of bipolar disorder vary between individuals and also according to the phase of the disorder that the person is experiencing. For example, some people may develop bipolar disorder first, while in others, AUD may appear first.
It is hard work to go through treatment for both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, but if you put in the time and effort it really can be effective. While it may seem daunting to try to manage bipolar disorder and give up alcohol, there is hope. Treatment is effective and helps many people manage their co-occurring disorders. The best course is a combination of medications and therapy, along with supplemental treatments such as holistic care and alternative, creative therapies. Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction to alcohol and bipolar disorder?
Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: What’s the Connection?
It may seem like a constant back and forth struggle, but it is so much more to each individual suffering. The relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol misuse is complex. There is probably not a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. In 2011, researchers noted that alcohol misuse can result in a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Approximately 2.6% of people in the United States have bipolar disorder. Approximately 14.5 million people in United States ages 12 and over have alcohol use disorder.
Another explanation for the connection is that people with bipolar disorder can exhibit reckless behavior, and AUD is consistent with this type of behavior. Some theorize that when AUD appears first, it can trigger bipolar disorder. Others have suggested that bipolar and AUD may share genetic risk factors. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if symptoms become unmanageable. A psychiatrist and/or addiction specialist can provide the necessary support and guidance in managing the symptoms. The best way to manage this situation is to create a supportive environment, find resources to help, and practice good self-care.
How does alcohol affect bipolar disorder?
A person who consumes alcohol during a manic phase has a higher risk of engaging in impulsive behavior because alcohol reduces a person’s inhibitions. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. When symptoms of a depressive episode last for at least two weeks, it meets the criteria for a bipolar 2 diagnosis. Individuals with a first-degree family member, such as a parent or sibling, who has bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the condition. Recovery Ranger is a website that offers direction and support for those seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
Those with both bipolar and a substance use disorder are more likely to commit suicide. In this video, Rod talks about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the treatments offered to him. Studies have also shown that as many as half of all people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make the employment of people with disabilities possible. These provide the main part of local specialist mental health services.
Alcohol Worsens the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Increases the Risk of Complications.
Impulsivity (not thinking before acting) and engaging in risky situations that may lead to painful consequences can accompany mania. Medications for anxiety, antidepressants, anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may interact with alcohol. To identify AUD, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your habits and your body’s reactions to drinking.