People with bipolar disorder are at risk for a variety of addictive behaviors. In fact, people with this diagnosis are more likely to be addicted to alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. However, there are several factors that put people with bipolar disorder at risk for addiction.
People with this diagnosis often struggle with mood swings that can include depression and mania. Both mania and depression often occur with bipolar disorder. This combination of symptoms makes it much harder for people with this disorder to fight off cravings for substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Research shows that people with bipolar disorder are more than twice as likely to become addicted to drugs as people who do not have the condition.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The causes of Bipolar Disorder are not well understood. What is known is that both genetics and the environment play a role in the development and progression of this mental illness.
The causes of Bipolar Disorder are complex and likely involve several genes and environmental factors. These may include:
- Genes- Bipolar Disorder may be inherited as an X-linked or autosomal recessive condition. When it is inherited as an autosomal recessive, the risk for the condition is very high. When it is inherited as an X-linked condition, the risk for the condition is much higher in males. This may be due to the fact that the X chromosome is much longer in males than in females.
- Stress- Bipolar Disorder can be triggered by a variety of stressful events such as major life changes, stress at work, or school, and the legal system.
- Chronic alcohol use- Bipolar disorder, like addiction in general, is often a result of a problem with substance use. However, researchers believe that drinking two or three standard drinks per day may be more harmful to people with this disorder than not drinking at all.
- Other drugs and toxic substances- Bipolar disorder is often associated with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. This may make it harder for people with this disorder to abstain from substances that are potentially toxic.
How Does Bipolar Disorder Lead to Addiction?
Research shows that people with bipolar disorder are more likely to become addicted to alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. People with this diagnosis often struggle with mood swings that can include depression and mania. This combination of symptoms makes it much harder for people with this disorder to fight off cravings for substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin.
Some experts believe that the relationship between bipolar disorder and addiction may be due to the fact that people with the illness have a harder time controlling their moods. As a result, when people with the condition try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, they often get hooked.
Are You at Risk for Bipolar Disorder?
It is important to remember that while many people with this condition become addicted to drugs, it is not a situation that everyone with the diagnosis finds themselves in. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition and can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It is important to know if you or someone you know has this condition so that you can take the necessary steps to minimize the risk of an incident of addiction.
To determine if you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you may want to speak with a mental health expert. The following questions may help you determine if you or your loved one is at an increased risk for addiction: Do you often feel “upset” or “jittery”? Do you have trouble relaxing? Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night teary-eyed? Do you have thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else? Are you an alcoholic, or have a bad diet? Have you smoked marijuana in the past? Are you having blackouts?
What Are the Warning Signs of Addiction?
Many people with this diagnosis may not realize that they have a drug or alcohol problem until it is too late. The following warning signs may indicate that you or someone you know may be addicted to alcohol or other drugs:
- Sudden, unexpected changes in behavior or mood
- Loss of interest in hobbies that you once loved
- Inability to concentrate on things for very long
- Nightmares or Insomnia
- Malnutrition or Weight Gain
- Increased risk-taking or a desire to “win” at all costs
Find Help for You or Your Spouse with Bipolar Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or a mental disorder, contacting a therapist is important. These experts can help you identify any issues that are causing problems and help you work through them. Another way to get help is to attend an intervention. Interventions are meetings that you or your loved one can attend without the assistance of an therapist. These meetings are meant to be confrontational and are meant to help the person seeking help get the help they need.
Asheville Recovery Is Here For You
The causes of Bipolar Disorder are not well understood. What is known is that both genetics and the environment play a role in the development and progression of this mental illness. People with this diagnosis are more likely to become addicted to alcohol, opioids, and other drugs.
However, there are several factors that put people with bipolar disorder at risk for addiction. People with this condition often struggle with mood swings that can include depression and mania. This combination of symptoms makes it much harder for people with this disorder to fight off cravings for substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent substance abuse and help those who are already struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or a mental disorder, it is important to get treatment. At Asheville Recovery Center treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), clients live at home or in a sober living residence while completing an addiction treatment program. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental illness, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call and speak with an addiction expert today.
