Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder, also sometimes known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that affects around 1.3 million people in the UK and impacts mood, energy levels and behaviour. It is characterised by episodes of mania and depression, which can last for days, weeks or even months.

Bipolar disorder symptoms include:

• Extreme highs and lows in mood
• Impulsive behaviour
• Irritability
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder: characterised by at least one manic episode that lasts at least a week and may be accompanied by depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II disorder: characterised by at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode which is a milder form of mania that lasts at least four days.
• Cyclothymic disorder: characterised by at least two years of numerous hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a full manic or depressive episode.

Dual diagnosis refers to the simultaneous presence of mental health and addiction disorders. Co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction can be incredibly challenging both to live with and to treat as both conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of the other.

There are several reasons why addiction and bipolar disorder often co-occur. One of the most common reasons is self-medication as people with bipolar disorder may use drugs or alcohol to cope with the extreme mood swings and emotional dysregulation associated with the condition.

Another reason is that bipolar disorder can lead to impulsive behaviour and poor decision-making, making individuals more vulnerable to addiction. Additionally, some medications used to treat bipolar disorder can be addictive, leading to a higher risk of addiction.

Addressing addiction and bipolar disorder simultaneously can be challenging, as each condition requires specialised treatment. However, many of the evidence-based therapies which are effective for addiction recovery also have major benefits for bipolar disorder.

At Banbury Lodge, if you suffer from both addiction and bipolar disorder, you must first stabilise your bipolar disorder before beginning rehab treatment. This is because unstable bipolar disorder symptoms can interfere with addiction treatment and make it difficult to achieve lasting recovery. Once the condition is stable, some of our addiction counselling therapies that can also help with the symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

Individuals with bipolar disorder and addiction often face unique challenges and considerations that can make recovery more difficult. These considerations include:

Mood management

Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience extreme highs and extreme lows which can interfere with the ability to fully engage in treatment. To address this challenge, therapy groups and individual therapy sessions can be used to focus on mood management and coping skills. These sessions can help you learn how to manage your mood swings and develop strategies to cope with them, such as mindfulness and self-soothing techniques. This means you won’t need to turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate which will prevent the risk of relapse.

Addictive medications

There are various medications which can be effective in helping sufferers to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder but also carry the risk of addiction. To address this challenge, your doctor and the medical team at Banbury Lodge will need to take into account your unique needs and make any necessary medication adjustments for both your bipolar disorder and addiction.

The need for more specialised therapy

Individuals with bipolar disorder and addiction may also benefit from more specialised therapy which takes the condition into account. For example, depression can be a major trigger of addiction and so if the root causes of depression can be addressed, recovery is more likely. However, as depression is a defining symptom of bipolar disorder, this is often more difficult and requires a more tailored approach to managing underlying depression during recovery.

Family involvement

Family involvement is an essential component of treatment for individuals with bipolar disorder and addiction as family members can provide support, encouragement, and accountability throughout the recovery process. At Banbury Lodge, family therapy is an integral part of our addiction treatment programmes and will help your family to understand the challenges you face and learn how to support you in your recovery. Family involvement can also help you feel less isolated and alone in your struggles which can reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder and increase your chances of achieving long-term recovery.

Supporting a loved one with addiction and bipolar disorder during treatment can be challenging but it can also be an essential component of their recovery. Here are some tips on how to support your loved one during this difficult time:

Educate yourself about bipolar disorder and addiction

Learn about the symptoms, treatment options and potential challenges your loved one may face.

Be supportive and non-judgmental

Let your loved one know that you are there for them and that you support their recovery. Avoid blaming or shaming them for their addiction or bipolar disorder.

Encourage treatment compliance

Encourage your loved one to attend all therapy sessions, take their medication as prescribed and follow the treatment plan recommended by their healthcare providers.

Offer practical support

Help your loved one with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning or childcare. This can help reduce stress and allow them to focus on their recovery during their stay in addiction treatment.

Practice self-care

Supporting a loved one with addiction and bipolar disorder can be emotionally taxing, so it is essential to take care of your own physical and emotional needs. This may include getting enough sleep, exercise and social support.

Join a support group

Joining a support group for families and loved ones of individuals with bipolar disorder and addiction can provide valuable information, resources, and emotional support.

Remember that recovery is a journey, and there may be setbacks along the way. With patience, understanding, and support, you can help your loved one navigate the challenges of dual diagnosis and achieve long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and bipolar disorder, getting help is essential. Banbury Lodge offers effective addiction treatment that can help individuals achieve lasting recovery with significant benefits for bipolar disorder sufferers. Contact us today and we can help you get started on the road to recovery.