Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Effects, Risks, and Management
It’s music therapy addiction also worth noting that while this article has focused on alcohol, the relationship between bipolar disorder and other substances is equally important. For instance, can weed cause bipolar is another common question, as marijuana use is prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder. Similarly, can drug use cause bipolar disorder is a topic of ongoing research and concern. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one.
How To Live With A Bipolar Alcoholic?
In fact, some studies have found that the majority of individuals with bipolar disorder will develop an alcohol use disorder of some kind during their lives. Some estimates suggest that up to 43% of individuals with bipolar disorder have some form of an alcohol use disorder at any given time. In addition, bipolar disorder can have a long-term negative impact on a person’s relationships, work, and social life. When problems occur, the person may use alcohol in an attempt to alter their mood in response to these negative feelings. To receive a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis, you must have had at least one major depressive episode.
For individuals grappling with both bipolar disorder and alcohol concerns, developing effective management strategies is crucial. The first step is often acknowledging the problem and seeking professional help. A comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the bipolar disorder and the alcohol use is typically most effective. There is a strong link between alcohol use and depression, a mental health condition that includes feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, fatigue, loss of interest, and more. But does regular drinking lead to depression, or are people with depression more likely to drink too much alcohol?
- The relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol use is complex and multifaceted.
- Call now to connect with a treatment provider and start your recovery journey.
- At Healthgrades, our Editorial Team works hard to develop complete, objective and meaningful health information to help people choose the right doctor, right hospital and right care.
- You may be more likely to experience manic symptoms when you’re actively using a stimulating substance or engaging in prescription medication misuse.
Many inpatient and outpatient programs help deal with both disorders, ideally eliminating the cravings for alcohol and stabilizing bipolar disorder. Contact a treatment provider today for more information on treatment plans and options for dealing with this co-occurring disorder. Other theories suggest that people with bipolar disorder use alcohol in an attempt to manage their symptoms, especially when they experience manic episodes. It requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to support your loved one. With proper treatment and support, your loved one can learn to manage their mental health and alcohol use. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for them to feel comfortable in and to ensure that they follow through with their treatment plan.
The family and loved ones of a person with the condition can help by encouraging healthful behaviors that discourage the consumption of alcohol. If people become disillusioned with their medications, some will stop using the drugs and consume alcohol as a form of self-medication. Some people use alcohol alongside their prescription drugs, adding to the risk. People with bipolar disorder often use medications to stabilize their symptoms. Whether a person consumes or misuses alcohol during a manic or depressive phase, it can be hazardous and possibly life-threatening for them and for those around them. The effects of bipolar disorder vary between individuals and also according to the phase of the disorder that the person is experiencing.
If your loved one is not getting help, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. Let them know that it is okay to ask for help and that treatment can help them manage their condition. You can also explore different treatment options with them and research support groups or other resources that may be helpful. It is important to be supportive and understanding while also maintaining boundaries and taking care of one’s own mental and emotional health. This includes providing the person with support and understanding while also setting reasonable boundaries and following through on the consequences.
Medications and alcohol
People with bipolar disorder have a 21.7% to 59% increased chance of being diagnosed with substance use disorder at least once in their life, per SAMHSA. Alcohol misuse appears to be most common among people with bipolar disorder. SAMHSA reports that people with bipolar disorder tend how to recover from being roofied to have a higher risk for substance use disorders. Substance use disorder can cause and complicate many health conditions.
What’s the relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol?
Living with a bipolar alcoholic can be stressful and emotionally draining, and it is important to take care of one’s own mental and emotional health. This includes taking time for oneself, engaging in activities that bring joy, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. Alcohol can also increase the sedative effects of any mood stabilizers being used to treat bipolar disorder. In people with bipolar disorder or AUD, it’s believed that the chemicals that regulate moods don’t work properly. Your environment as a young person can also influence whether you’re likely to develop AUD. Having a bipolar disorder diagnosis is linked to a higher addiction risk to alcohol or drugs.
General Health
The symptoms of alcohol abuse and withdrawal can closely mimic those of bipolar disorder, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. In some cases, alcoholism may be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, or vice versa, complicating treatment efforts and delaying appropriate care. The prevalence of alcohol abuse among individuals with bipolar disorder is alarmingly high. Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop substance use disorders, with alcohol being one of the most commonly abused substances. This co-occurrence is not merely coincidental but reflects a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
These changes can heighten the physiological “rewards” of alcohol and increase the likelihood that they will continue their pattern of drinking. Drinking alcohol can become a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of hopelessness, numbness, guilt, and worthlessness. One can alcohol affect the gallbladder study of 421 people found that 25% had both alcohol misuse and depression.