Chronic use results in neuroadaptations—permanent or semi-permanent changes in neurotransmitter activity—that exacerbate mood dysregulation. For instance, excessive dopamine release during drug use creates intense euphoria but also leads to diminished natural dopamine function over time. In BD, there is an equal incidence of men and women, emphasising the genetic origin of the disorder.
What are the prevalence and implications of co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders?
For example, someone experiencing hypomania may find that they are much more social than normal or have extremely high energy. People often find that they don’t need much sleep or food and may experience racing thoughts and a feeling of being invincible. Hypomanic episodes can increase the risk of substance use because people often have decreased inhibitions and an increase in risk-taking behavior, which can involve experimenting with substances.
Managing Bipolar Disorder Is a Lifelong Commitment
Chronic alcohol consumption exacerbates depressive episodes by increasing withdrawal, the tendency to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It may also deepen depressive phases, potentially resulting in a presentation similar to alcohol induced bipolar disorder ICD 10. Bipolar and alcoholism have common causes in the form of genetic, environmental and psychological risk factors, which makes their joint occurrence more likely. Psychological factors such as low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation further increase the risk of dual diagnosis.
Your doctor or counselor may recommend behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both to treat alcohol use disorder. Let your doctor or mental health counselor know if you think you might have alcohol use disorder or have any questions or concerns about alcohol use. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you learn about the potential side effects and drug interactions of any medications you take. Alcohol use can worsen symptoms of depression, mania, or hypomania if you have bipolar disorder.
Similar disappointing results have been reported from a controlled study with acamprosate in BD + AUD (122). The use or digital media and “blended care” is likely to increase in the future across treatment settings and will facilitate diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders including comorbid conditions. It’s usefulness in BD patients comorbid with AUD, however, still needs to be further investigated.
A person who is avoiding or cutting down on alcohol may find it helpful to replace the habit with an alternative feel-good solution . On the other hand, the person may decide to skip their medication in order to drink more “safely.” However, not taking the medication can cause symptoms to return. Using both at the same time can increase the effect, with potentially serious consequences. Researchers agree that alcohol and depression have a bidirectional relationship, meaning that depression can cause overuse of alcohol, but overuse of alcohol can also cause depression. It means you’re taking an active role in your wellness, prioritizing your needs, and letting the people who care about you show up and walk alongside you.
What is post partum depression?
Contact us to learn more about our renowned program and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward recovery. Many people with bipolar disorder turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage their symptoms and mood changes. However, it is important to note that alcohol is not a healthy or productive coping mechanism. Alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder are deeply interconnected, with alcohol abuse often worsening bipolar symptoms and bipolar disorder increasing the risk of alcohol abuse. This complex interplay poses several challenges for those affected and their caregivers. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration.
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By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), if depression symptoms persist after one month without consuming alcohol, then a different depressive disorder diagnosis would apply. Excessive alcohol drinking can also cause problems socially, such as issues with family, school, employment, and friends. This could have a carryover effect on depression since loneliness and lack of social support are linked to depression.
- Early diagnosis, individualized care plans, and multidisciplinary approaches improve prognosis and reduce the risks of relapse, hospitalization, and suicide.
- Cannabis is likely to be second after alcohol as substance of abuse in BD patients, affecting approximately one quarter of bipolar patients (7).
- These are hallmarks of bipolar alcoholic traits, often requiring psychiatric evaluation.
- The co-morbidity of AUD in BD can reach 45% (Kessler et al., 1997; Cardoso et al., 2008), and the odds ratio for AUD in bipolar I disorder is higher than for bipolar II disorder, ( 3.5 and 2.6 respectively) (Hasin et al., 2007).
It often hampers ongoing treatment adherence, making disease management more challenging. Common substances abused by individuals with bipolar disorder include alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opioids. These substances can mimic or intensify mania and depression, leading to more complex clinical presentations. The association is particularly strong with certain substances like alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. Odds ratios from various studies indicate that individuals with bipolar disorder are significantly more likely to use these substances than those without bipolar. For example, people with bipolar I disorder show a lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders reaching as high as 65%, and over half often have an alcohol use disorder.
- We’ll work with you to find the combination of medication and therapy that works for you.
- Practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing may also promote calmness and emotional balance.
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) is sometimes used when a person’s symptoms do not neatly fit into the categories of Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymia.
- People who are experiencing a manic, depressive, or mixed episode often present with shifts in behavior that cause them to make risky or destructive decisions that they would not commonly participate in.
- For decades, studies suggested that moderate alcohol intake could protect the heart, reduce diabetes risk or even help you live longer.
- Hypomanic episodes last at least four days and involve an unusually high mood or extreme changes in how the person feels and interacts with the world around them.
However, there is hope for people with bipolar disorder who struggle with alcohol problems. A combination of medications, therapy, and supplemental treatments such as holistic care and alternative therapies can help manage symptoms and reduce cravings. The relationship is often bidirectional; individuals with bipolar disorder may use substances like alcohol or stimulants to self-medicate their extreme mood swings. During manic episodes, poor judgment could lead to poor choices regarding substance use. Conversely, the use of substances can exacerbate mood symptoms, creating a detrimental cycle of worsening mental health.
However, recent preliminary evidence suggests that liver enzymes do not dramatically increase in alcoholic patients who are receiving valproate, even if they are actively drinking (Sonne and Brady 1999a). Thus, valproate appears to be a safe and effective medication for alcoholic bipolar patients. If you have a co-occurring alcohol use disorder, that complicates your life even further. The right bipolar treatment program will empower you to manage your symptoms in a healthy way while also developing the skills to heal from AUD.
Alcohol can lead to substance use disorder
It may also result in patients being labeled with a mental health disorder when their mood symptoms are 5 things to know about bipolar disorder and alcohol use solely attributable to substance effects. Extensive scientific studies have confirmed that bipolar disorder often co-occurs with substance use disorders (SUD), with lifetime comorbidity rates reaching approximately 56%. This strong association stems from complex biological, genetic, and environmental interactions.
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You will quickly build a tolerance, meaning you’ll need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects. This quickly evolves into the cycle of alcohol use disorder, and you’ll begin to feel withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. Other theories suggest that people with bipolar disorder use alcohol in an attempt to manage their symptoms, especially when they experience manic episodes. Prolonged alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems and a weakened immune system. For people with bipolar disorder, the risks are even greater due to interactions between medication and lifestyle factors. Studies show that a significant percentage of people with bipolar disorder struggle with alcohol dependence, emphasising the need for targeted intervention strategies.
