Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Did you know that if you suffer from bipolar disorder that you predisposed to addiction as well? Since up to sixty percent of bipolar sufferers struggle with some form of addiction at various points in their lives, it is crucial that you are doing everything possible to manage your condition and keep yourself on an even keel mentally.

At the present time, more research is in progress to better understand the correlation between bipolar and addiction which often results in “dual diagnosis”, a term used to describe those suffering from both bipolar disorder and addiction. The link between the two conditions is so prevalent that patients being admitted to addiction facilities are now routinely screened for mental disorders during intake.

The reason these co-occurring disorders are so common is because those afflicted with bipolar will often turn to drugs and/or alcohol to offset the symptoms of the disorder. The use of depressants is not uncommon as bipolar sufferers attempt to curb mania. On the other end of the spectrum, those in the throes of a depressive episode will often choose stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamines.

The teenage years of a child suffering from bipolar are often extremely turbulent both for the child and the parent. There is already an excessive amount of peer pressure from friends to fit in, and drugs and/or alcohol are often viewed as teenage rites of passage. In addition, research has shown that teens diagnosed with bipolar disorder are much more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. However, such experimentation can yield devastating consequences. For this reason, it is especially vital to help your teenager cope with and manage the condition.

The link between mental health and addiction is constantly being studied and evaluated so that sufferers are better able to deal with their bipolar. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, it is extremely important to make every effort to take advantage of the resources available to mental health patients in your area.