Bipolar and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

According to Bipolar UK, Bipolar disorder is one of the UK’s most prevalent long-term conditions, affecting 1.3 million people. This condition is nearly as widespread as cancer (2.4%) and is more than twice as common as dementia, epilepsy, autism, rheumatoid arthritis and learning disabilities. These statistics highlight the significant impact bipolar disorder has on the population, emphasising the need for awareness and support.

Bipolar disorder manifests in several variations, each with its own distinct set of symptoms and criteria. Understanding these variations is crucial for seeking help for yourself or loved ones exhibiting concerning signs.

Research shows a clear link between bipolar disorder and addiction, with data indicating that 61% of bipolar I patients experience substance use disorders in their lifetime. However, the reasons behind this connection are not straightforward. In the following sections, we will explore the intricacies of bipolar disorder and addiction, examining how each condition might exacerbate or even trigger the other.

Substance-induced bipolar disorder

Substance-induced bipolar disorder occurs when drug or alcohol use triggers manic or depressive episodes in individuals who otherwise do not exhibit bipolar symptoms previously. These mood disturbances are directly linked to substance use and typically diminish or disappear once the substance is no longer in the person’s system.

Research has found that substance-induced mood disorders often resemble their independent counterparts. For example, substance-induced bipolar disorder mirrors the symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorders. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can create effects similar to bipolar disorders, including euphoria, increased energy, anorexia, grandiosity and paranoia. On the flip side, withdrawing from stimulants can lead to anhedonia, apathy, a depressed mood and even suicidal thoughts.

Self-medication leading to addiction

Addiction can often start in individuals with bipolar disorder due to the tendency to self-medicate. According to data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), which surveyed 43,093 community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older, almost one-quarter of individuals with mood disorders (24.1%) used alcohol or drugs to relieve their symptoms. Among those with bipolar I disorder, the prevalence of self-medication was particularly high at 41.0%.

People with bipolar disorder may turn to self-medication as a way to manage the intense emotional fluctuations associated with the condition. Bipolar disorder can cause extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows, often accompanied by severe anxiety. The urge to self-medicate stems from a desire to alleviate these overwhelming symptoms quickly. Alcohol and drugs can temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety, stabilise mood swings and provide a sense of relief, albeit short-lived and ultimately harmful.

The longer a person self-medicates with drugs and alcohol, the higher the chance is of forming an addiction to their choice of ‘medication’.

Addressing addiction and bipolar disorder together can be quite challenging, as each condition requires specialised treatment. However, many evidence-based therapies that are effective for addiction recovery also offer significant benefits for managing bipolar disorder.

At Linwood House, if you are dealing with both addiction and bipolar disorder, stabilising your bipolar disorder is the first step before beginning rehab treatment. This is because unstable bipolar disorder symptoms can interfere with addiction treatment, making lasting recovery difficult. Once your condition is stable, several of our addiction counselling therapies can also help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a highly effective therapy based on mindfulness and acceptance principles. It teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help you manage your emotions, cope with stress and improve relationships, making DBT particularly beneficial for individuals with both bipolar disorder and addiction.

Individual therapy

Individual therapy offers a personalised approach, allowing your therapist to focus on your specific needs and challenges. For those with bipolar disorder and addiction, individual therapy can address issues such as anxiety, depression and mood swings and help you work through underlying psychological issues contributing to your addiction.

If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of bipolar disorder and addiction, Linwood House is here to help. Our compassionate team offers a comprehensive treatment program tailored to address both conditions simultaneously. We understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and are dedicated to providing the support needed for lasting recovery. Reach out to Linwood House today and take the first step towards a healthier, balanced life.