Bipolar disorder is a type of mental health disorder in which a person feels intense ups and downs in emotions and energy. It may impact every facet of a person’s life. Alcohol abuse can worsen symptoms and make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. A dual diagnosis treatment center can provide necessary help in the healing process for both conditions. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida offers a problem that can provide support for you. Contact us today at 866.294.5306 for more information about our services.
How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect Bipolar Disorder?
Experts don’t fully understand what happens when a person with a mental health disorder like bipolar disorder drinks alcohol. However, research indicates a person with bipolar disorder is at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Because alcohol has a sedating effect, it is likely to intensify bipolar disorder symptoms. In short, it makes the depression component of bipolar disorder more pronounced and painful.
Various factors play a role in whether a person develops alcohol use disorder if they have bipolar. Some factors that play a role between these two disorders include:
- Genetic factors can create changes in brain chemistry in some people: These traits impact how a person is affected by bipolar disorder and how they respond to alcohol and drugs.
- Mania: During periods of mania, a person typically has periods of poor judgment and reckless behavior. They also have lower inhibitions, which can increase alcohol consumption, creating a higher risk for depression.
- Depression and anxiety: The low periods of bipolar disorder often create intense symptoms. Some people use alcohol as a way to ease those symptoms. Most often, this only worsens the symptoms and leads to the development of addiction and dependence.
These factors can significantly impact your long-term health and wellbeing.
Managing Alcohol Abuse with Bipolar Disorder
A person who engages in alcohol abuse like this while having a mental health disorder like depression has co-occurring disorders. While the two are separate components of mental and physical health, treating them simultaneously is critical to long-term recovery. Dual diagnosis treatment is the type of care a person with both conditions needs to pull out of their symptoms.
During this type of treatment, a person may receive:
- Medications to help balance the mania and depression symptoms.
- Medicine to ease the withdrawal symptoms and cravings from alcohol use.
- Psychotherapy for both addiction and mental health disorders at the same time
- Nutrition support to help encourage the healing process
- Family therapy programs to support overall health
It’s also important to know that it’s common for those who have a dependence on alcohol like this to need detox help. The alcohol detox process allows the body to remove those substances in a safe manner. It is easier physically and mentally than trying to stop drinking on your own. It is also more effective in helping to avoid long-term complications and relapse risks.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida Today
Do you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or believe you have it, and you’re using alcohol on a consistent basis? If so, dual diagnosis treatment is available and the best first step for many. Start with detox, a process that gives your body the best chance at healing. Learn more about each one of the treatment programs we offer, including:
- Men’s detox center
- Women’s detox center
- Holistic detox center
- Medical detox center
- Residential detox center
- Addiction treatment plan
Anyone struggling with bipolar disorder needs treatment. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, Florida, we can provide support for alcohol abuse recovery and therapy for mental health disorders. Learn more about the comprehensive care we offer when you call 866.294.5306 or connect with us online.
