Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Detox Treatment
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Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Detox | Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes intense mood swings, dramatic shifts in energy levels and changes in thinking that can significantly impact daily functioning.
This mental health condition affects nearly 2.8% of the population in the United States.
Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that individuals with bipolar disorder face a 43% to 56% higher risk of developing a substance use disorder.
When bipolar disorder is combined with substance use disorder (SUD), the conditions often worsen one another, making recovery more challenging and highlighting the need for integrated treatment that focuses on how the two interact and complicate recovery.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Addiction
There are four types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar 2 disorder, cyclothymic disorder and “unspecified or other specified” bipolar disorder. To receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a mental health professional will look for patterns of symptoms and how severely these symptoms impact a person’s daily functioning.
One of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder is extreme mood swings. Individuals who are struggling with episodes of mania or depression may use alcohol or drugs to alleviate their symptoms.
Self-medicating is common among people with this diagnosis. One study found that 41% of people with a diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder and nearly 35% of those with bipolar 2 disorder reported self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
While the use of alcohol or other substances can help temporarily ease some symptoms of bipolar disorder, their use may actually cause an increase in symptom severity, trigger more severe mania or depression and begin a cycle where dependence or addiction occurs.
Individuals with bipolar disorder and SUD face a more complicated recovery. This is due in part to the decreased effectiveness of medications that treat bipolar such as mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics and antidepressants.
Medically Guided Detox for Bipolar and Addiction
For people with bipolar disorder and SUD, the first step toward getting better is often medical detox. A medical detox provides around the clock support to help manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor for complications and provide interventions when needed.
When bipolar disorder is also present, the addiction specialists not only monitor your physical well-being but also closely monitor for worsening symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially suicidality.
In addition to providing FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, the clinicians will closely monitor the efficacy of bipolar medications, offer support to manage any increase in bipolar symptoms and make changes to your individualized treatment plan to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible.
Mental Health Support Services
Therapy is a critical intervention for people who are suffering from bipolar disorder and SUD. This may be in individual or group sessions and focuses on helping you build healthy coping skills, understand your triggers and prepare a plan for long-term recovery.
A mix of therapeutic approaches is beneficial for treating these co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a tool that helps you connect your thoughts and feelings to your dysfunctional behaviors. With this awareness, you can develop positive tools for change.
Other therapeutic approaches include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychoeducation and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), which help to improve emotional regulation, stabilize daily routines and improve distress tolerance.
Integrated group therapy sessions and peer support groups are also extremely beneficial for individuals with dual diagnosis. These groups provide a place where individuals can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with these disorders.
Group sessions also help to keep participants accountable for their behaviors. This includes taking medications as directed and abstaining from self-medicating.
Integrated Care Benefits
An integrated approach to care is essential for treating bipolar disorder and SUD. This approach is recommended by SAMHSA and focuses on treating the whole person. Because the two conditions often overlap, the risk of relapse or a poor outcome is increased when treatment focuses on one condition and not both.
An individualized treatment plan that recognizes how one condition impacts the other is an important component of successful dual diagnosis treatment.
Important components of a intergrated treatment plan include:
- Medication management, medication adherence and monitoring.
- Behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT and others to address behaviors and triggers
- Peer support groups
- Family counseling and education
- Crisis plan to address any acute psychiatric episodes
- Relapse prevention plan
Patient Experience and Safety
An integrated approach to medically supervised detox and co-occurring disorder treatment is the most effective means of combating SUD and bipolar disorder. Simultaneous treatment helps to reduce withdrawal complications, improve mood stabilization and minimize the risk of relapse.
Individuals in these types of programs have more continuity in their care, have better medication management and a lower rate of re-hospitalization when compared to treatment programs that fail to treat the two conditions at the same time.
This comprehensive approach offers a foundation for long term stability, recovery and overall health and happiness.
Yes. Bipolar disorder can complicate recovery, especially when the two conditions are not treated together. Because self-medication helped to stabilize moods and behaviors, when these substances are removed, there can be an increase in mood swings, anxiety, depression and agitation.
As well, medication management can be complicated by the detox process. Medications such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics must be closely monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness, along with the need for dose adjustments during this time.
In most cases, yes. During the assessment process, an addiction professional will evaluate the need for medication management and closely monitor you for any changes. Because you will be under close medical supervision, there may be changes to your medication regimen to ensure you are safe and receiving the best care possible.
Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with bipolar and SUD often includes a mix of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, family therapy and IPSRT. These practices are offered through individual or group therapy as well as in aftercare programs.