Living with bipolar disorder often feels like the world is trying to break you. What other illness has happiness as a symptom? It can feel so isolating and lonely to ride the rollercoaster up and down, over and over. You’re always wondering when the next episode is going to hit and what it will bring. Today we’re exploring bipolar disorder and addictions and why the two go hand in hand so often.
Before we get into it, don’t forget to catch up on our other blog posts linked below!
- Bipolar Disorder: The Best Club For Support and Connection
- What It’s Like To Be In A Mental Hospital
- Being In A Mental Hospital: Part 2
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH MY LITTLE BLOG!
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
If you’re new here and don’t know what bipolar disorder is, then don’t worry. We’re going to explain it here. If you’re already familiar with the illness, then feel free to scroll down if you don’t feel up to reading stuff you already know! We’ll break it down in simple terms so you can make sense of what this complicated illness is.
Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression. Its name became bipolar disorder in 1980. It is a serious mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. They can swing anywhere from extreme highs (these are called mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression).
It basically really sucks to live with it. You’re always wondering what is coming next, and even if you get to a point of stability, it’s almost like you can’t even enjoy it because you’re left to anticipate what cycle is coming.
Addiction
Addictions are chronic, relapsing conditions characterised by the compulsive use of substances or engagement in behaviours despite negative consequences. These can include alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other addictive behaviours that hijack the brain’s reward system.
For individuals with bipolar disorder, the impact of addiction can be particularly devastating. The extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder—ranging from manic highs to depressive lows—can increase the likelihood of turning to substances as a way to self-medicate or cope with overwhelming emotions. In turn, the substances can exacerbate bipolar symptoms, triggering more severe mood episodes and complicating treatment.
The combination of addiction and bipolar disorder often leads to a cycle of instability, where both conditions feed off each other, making it harder to achieve recovery and manage mental health effectively. Treatment for those with both bipolar disorder and addiction requires a holistic approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously to break this destructive cycle.
Bipolar Disorder & Addiction
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder and addiction often go hand in hand. In fact, approximately 60% of people with bipolar disorder will struggle with substance addiction at some point. It’s more likely that people with bipolar disorder experiment with drugs and alcohol to try to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of the illness. It can be a way of self-medicating. A way for people struggling to feel a little better when they feel awful and out of control. The best way to overcome addictions when you’re living with bipolar disorder is to seek help for your bipolar disorder and find a treatment plan that works for you.
Alarming Stats—Bipolar Disorder & Addiction
- Bipolar disorder has the highest rate of smoking out of any mental health condition and the lowest rate of quitting it.
- Approximately 1 in 10 people with bipolar disorder have a severe and lifelong problem with gambling.
Signs Someone Is Struggling With Bipolar Disorder and Addictions
Extreme Mood Swings – Frequent and intense shifts between manic highs (euphoria, impulsivity) and depressive lows (sadness, hopelessness).
Increased Substance Use – Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with emotional turmoil or mood shifts.Impulsive Behavior – Engaging in reckless or risky activities during manic episodes, such as excessive spending, unsafe sexual behavior, or dangerous driving.
Failed Attempts to Cut Back – Multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop using substances, despite the negative impact on their life.
Isolation – Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities, especially during depressive episodes or when under the influence of substances.
Poor Judgment – Making decisions that are out of character or harmful, often during manic states or while intoxicated.
Chronic Stress or Anxiety – Feeling overwhelmed or anxious, particularly when trying to manage both mood swings and substance cravings.
Neglect of Responsibilities – Difficulty maintaining work, school, or personal obligations due to mood instability or substance use.
Tolerance and Withdrawal – Developing a higher tolerance to substances and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using them.
Self-Medicating – Using substances as a way to manage mood swings, anxiety, or depressive feelings without seeking professional help.
Physical Health Issues – Experiencing frequent health problems, such as sleep disturbances, weight changes, or general fatigue, due to the combined impact of bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
Relationship Struggles – Ongoing conflicts with family, friends, or partners due to erratic mood behavior or substance use.
Depressive Symptoms – Feelings of worthlessness, lack of motivation, or deep sadness, particularly during depressive episodes when using substances.
Manic Episodes – Elevated mood, excessive energy, reduced need for sleep, or engaging in dangerous or impulsive behaviors associated with a manic state.
Final Thoughts
In the end it’s absolutely vital to take care of yourself when living with bipolar disorder. It’s important to recognise signs related to bipolar disorder and addictions and get help. Please seek help and speak to someone. You don’t need to suffer alone or in silence. Please, please get help. If you have a story or comment about bipolar disorder and addictions, please comment below. Don’t forget to follow on Instagram!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
https://www.primroselodge.com/co-occurring-disorders/bipolar
Absolutely loved this article! The insights on bipolar disorder were incredibly thorough, and I appreciate how it dives deep into the causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, the treatment plans. It’s so important to have well-rounded information when discussing mental health, and this post does a fantastic job of addressing all aspects of the condition. I’ve also come across another great resource on bipolar disorder at https://scholarinfoo.com/bipolar-disorder-cause-symtoms, which provides detailed information, including treatment strategies that can be helpful. Highly recommend checking it out! Let’s continue spreading awareness and understanding about mental health—everyone deserves to know more!