Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, or simply manic depression. Individuals with this disorder experience episodes of manic behavior or excessively elevated energy, emotions, and cognition. Sometimes, but not always, they may also experience opposite episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is often linked to clinical depression and anxiety disorders and many bipolar individuals are treated for all three disorders.
Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse
While there is some evidence suggesting that bipolar disorder can be caused by the long-term use of drugs and alcohol, how they are linked is not completely understood. For those with naturally occurring bipolar disorder, drugs that cause hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia contribute to the disorder by intensifying an individuals symptoms of mania. Similarly, depressants and sedatives can contribute to the disorder by intensifying an individuals symptoms of depression.
Bipolar disorder is another mental health condition that often coexists with substance abuse because many addicts use alcohol and drugs to artificially alter their emotional states. Individuals who were previously able to manage their disorder may become completely unmanageable as a result of chemical dependency.
Recovery Ways Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
As part of the psychological treatment at Recovery Ways, an integrated approach is used to teach patients that there is life outside the confines of drug addiction. Each patient is encouraged to be involved in social and spiritual activities that foster awareness of the world around them. By learning to cope with life, our clients are better able to manage their emotions and mood swings. With these under control it’s easier to form a better outlook on life which, in turn, helps recovering addicts resist the urge to relapse.
Bipolar disorder is most commonly treated through a combination of medication and therapy. As with all mood disorders, bipolar disorder is amplified when an addict begins the withdrawal process. If not properly treated, these patient can represent a serious threat to their own safety and the safety of others. The clinical staff at Recovery Ways is fully trained to support bipolar clients and the specific challenges their disorder presents.
As a client in our residential treatment program becomes clean of drugs and alcohol, the experienced medical staff at Recovery Ways assists in stabilizing their mood to prevent alternating episodes of depression and manic behavior. Guided by masters-level therapists, our clients then learn to recognize psychological triggers, effectively express emotions, and appropriately modify their behavior to reduce the likelihood of an episode occurring.
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders, for more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: (801) 809-9663.
