Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction in Memphis

Many risk factors play a role in the development of addiction, from genetics to the environment you grew up in. Another factor that could cause you to develop a substance use disorder is an untreated mental illness.

When you suffer from an underlying mental health condition and an addiction, this is known as having co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million people in the United States struggled with co-occurring disorders in 2022.[1]

While any mental health disorder can co-occur with addiction, some illnesses are more prevalent than others. One of the most common conditions to occur alongside addiction is bipolar disorder. One study found that 40% of people with bipolar disorder also dealt with drug or alcohol abuse.[2]

If you or a loved one has co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Dual diagnosis rehab centers will offer you the tools you need to recover from both conditions at the same time. These treatment programs offer a variety of services, from diagnosis and medical detox to medication management and evidence-based therapies.

Are Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Connected?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by experiencing periods of depressive and manic episodes. When you are in a depressive episode, you will suffer from low mood, sluggishness, and sometimes self-harming or suicidal behaviors. On the other hand, manic episodes cause increased energy, insomnia,  impulsive behavior, and even psychosis in some cases.[3]

Since bipolar disorder can lead to impulsive behavior, you are at an increased risk of engaging in substance abuse. Instead of thinking about the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol, all you will recognize is the short-term benefits substances will provide. You might begin abusing substances to have fun or to cope with symptoms as a form of self-medication.

Unfortunately, abusing drugs and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you are an individual with bipolar disorder, you should avoid substances at all costs. If you do develop a co-occurring substance use disorder, dual-diagnosis treatment centers can help you regain control over your life.

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How Does Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment in Memphis Work?

Recovering from addiction and bipolar disorder is not easy. The symptoms of each condition can exacerbate the other. However, attending a dual-diagnosis treatment center will make it easier for you to achieve long-term recovery.

Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step in treatment is an in-depth assessment. The medical professionals will ask you questions about your bipolar disorder, your family history, and your history of substance abuse. The information they gather will be used to create an individualized treatment plan.

In addition to a general assessment, you will be assessed for bipolar disorder. Even if you are already diagnosed, this is an important step as it confirms your diagnosis and helps mental health professionals determine whether you have bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.

Medical Detox

Once your treatment plan is created, you will begin medical detox. Before you can begin recovering from bipolar disorder or the psychological aspects of addiction, you have to be physically healthy. During medical detox, you will receive treatments and medications to lessen your withdrawal symptoms while you expel the substances from your body.

Medication

Once you have completed detox, your psychiatrist will help you become stabilized on a medication that lessens the symptoms of your bipolar disorder. Usually, mood stabilizers or antipsychotics are used to treat this condition.

The most common medications for bipolar disorder include:[4]

• Lithium
• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Olanzapine
• Risperidone
• Haloperidol
• Quetiapine
• Aripiprazole
• Valproic acid

Medications help lessen the severity of both depressive and manic episodes. If you experience psychotic symptoms during your manic episodes, these medications will prevent them.

Individual and Group Therapy

While medications are incredibly helpful in managing bipolar disorder, therapy is also important. Additionally, therapy helps treat your comorbid addiction by unpacking the root causes of your substance abuse, teaching you how to self-regulate your emotions, and providing you with healthy coping mechanisms to avoid triggers for relapse.

The main behavioral health techniques and therapies used to treat co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction include:[5]

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Integrated group therapy (IGT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Contingency management (CM)
• 12-step facilitation therapy
• Family behavior therapy

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare

Once you are nearing the end of your treatment program, you will begin relapse prevention planning. This technique is used to lessen your chances of returning to substance abuse. Relapse prevention often includes developing healthy coping mechanisms to beat triggers.

In addition to identifying and overcoming triggers, you will be offered aftercare. Aftercare services include tools to help you stay connected with recovery. Your dual diagnosis rehab center might offer:

• Continued therapy
• Medication management
• Access to an alumni support group
• Referrals to outpatient or sober living programs
• Recommendations on local support groups
• Case management services like vocational or legal assistance

Find Help for Addiction and Bipolar Disorder in Memphis

If you or a loved one suffers from bipolar and addiction, it’s time to seek help. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers can help you recover from both conditions at the same time. At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a highly-rated rehab center in your area.

Contact us today to learn more about treatment for bipolar disorder and addiction in Memphis.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
2. Springer Nature: The prevalence and significance of substance use disorders in bipolar type I and II disorder
3. JAMA Network: Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
4. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Medicines used in bipolar disorders
5. Science Direct: Behavioral therapies for co-occurring substance use and mood disorders