Dual Diagnosis: Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a prevalent illness affecting about 45 million people globally. In the United States, bipolar disorder affects around 2.8 percent of the adult population. Dual diagnosis is now an emerging trend where individuals suffer from addiction and bipolar disorder.

Wellness Retreat Recovery Center is an accredited and licensed dual diagnosis treatment facility in San Jose, California. Our top-of-the-line facilities and dedicated team of qualified mental health professionals guarantee the most effective dual diagnosis treatment. We aim to provide the best patient experience and outcome.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

When someone suffers from two illnesses or disorders, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. In this case, a mental health disorder and a substance abuse problem occur together. It’s also sometimes called co-occurring disorders.

Most people with dual diagnoses struggle with addiction first and then develop bipolar disorder due to the addiction. However, it’s also possible to develop bipolar disorder first and then turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms.

There is a strong correlation between addiction and bipolar disorder. Researchers believe that this is because both conditions share certain risk factors. For example, they both tend to run in families. They are also both more common in individuals exposed to traumatic events or abuse in childhood.

People with dual diagnoses often have a hard time getting the help they need because their conditions are so intertwined. The presence of another disorder often complicates treatment for one illness.

There are specialized treatment programs that can address both disorders simultaneously, and there is hope for recovery.

What is The Connection Between Addiction and Bipolar?

Many people with bipolar disorder self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to addiction, which makes the symptoms of bipolar disorder worse.

At the same time, substance addiction may also lead to bipolar disorder or other mental health disorders.

Diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for both conditions by qualified mental health professionals are essential to recovery.

Signs of Addiction

Addiction is a wide-ranging matter spanning various disciplines. It is not limited to substance use and dependence. Some individuals can be addicted to work, compulsive eating, etc.

Overall, the theme is the same, extreme dependence on something due to consistent use. This dependence is so strong to the point that an individual cannot function properly without the substance. They will continue to use it even after they’ve suffered adverse effects.

Some common signs of addiction include:

Increasing tolerance to the substance. This means that you need more and more of the drug or alcohol to get the same effect.
Withdrawal symptoms whenever they stop using. These can include nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
Using the substance more often or in more significant amounts than intended.
Unsuccessful attempts to quit.
Giving up activities like work or family to use the substance.
Continuing to use despite negative consequences, such as job loss or relationship problems.

If an individual is addicted to a substance, it can be difficult to admit that they have a problem. But getting help is essential to overcoming addiction and bipolar disorder.

Signs of Bipolar

Also referred to as manic-depressive illness, individuals suffering from this disorder experience extreme shifts in mood and energy. The major difference between bipolar disorder and clinical depression is the manic episodes experienced by individuals with bipolar.

With manic episodes, individuals have high energy and maybe a good mood. This is contrasted by the extreme lows in depressive states, where they have less energy and intense feelings of sadness.

Signs of bipolar disorder include:

- Extreme mood swings – going from feeling great to feeling down, or vice versa, in a matter of hours or days
- Changes in sleep patterns – either sleeping too much or too little
- Increased energy levels – individuals feeling like they can’t sit still or like they have boundless energy
- Changes in eating habits – either eating too much or too little
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Reckless behavior – engaging in risky activities without thinking about the consequences

To avoid any misdiagnosis, individuals with these symptoms must seek professional help as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is a serious disorder that requires urgent treatment by a qualified mental health professional.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Addiction and mental health often go hand-in-hand. According to several studies, individuals with a mental health disorder are more likely to abuse drugs. And similarly, individuals abusing drugs may develop some form of mental disorder.

While there are many different causes of dual diagnosis, the most common link between addiction and mental health is self-medication. Individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, or PTSD often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Unfortunately, this only makes their condition worse in the long run.

Luckily, there are many dual diagnosis treatment facilities that can help. These facilities will simultaneously address addiction and mental health disorders to provide the best possible outcome for the patient.

When treating addiction and bipolar disorder, the most effective approach is often a dual diagnosis treatment program. This type of program treats both disorders simultaneously rather than treating them separately.

There are several benefits to this approach. First, it can help prevent relapse by addressing both disorders at once. Second, it can help to improve communication and coordination between the different treatment providers. And third, it can provide a more comprehensive level of care that can address all of the individual’s unique needs.

What To Consider When Choosing A Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility

When choosing a dual diagnosis treatment facility, there are a few things to consider.

Types of treatment that are offered. Ensure that the facility provides evidence-based treatment for both addiction and mental disorders. This type of treatment is essential for effectively treating dual diagnosis patients.
The staff at the facility. Make sure that they have experience treating patients with dual diagnoses. And have a good understanding of the connection between addiction and bipolar disorder.
Location of the facility. It is vital to choose a convenient facility for you to access so that you can stick with your treatment plan.
Cost. Ensure the facility is well within budget and whether they accept your insurance.
Accreditation. Choose a facility that’s licensed and recognized by established national regulatory bodies. Such treatment facilities have an excellent record, adhere to prescribed standards, and generally guarantee comprehensive treatment with the best patient experience.

Get The Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Wellness Retreat Recovery

Co-occurring disorders expose patients to extreme suffering if left untreated. This has been determined by several studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Early intervention is critical to ensure better patient outcomes and a reduced need for hospitalization, which is needed at advanced stages.

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