The connection between substance use and mental health disorders is well-documented. One of the most common mental health issues contributing to addiction is bipolar disorder. While a relatively small percentage of people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the number of those people who also have substance abuse issues is disproportionately high. These co-occurring disorders can have a profoundly destructive effect on both the life of the person who has them and on the lives of those around them. Fortunately, a bipolar disorder and addiction treatment program can help. At United Recovery Project’s detox center, our dual diagnosis treatment provides the necessary support in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can be described as a psychological disorder in which extreme fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity occur without provocation. These shifts can be totally unpredictable and range between periods of deep depression and periods of mania. Mania can be described as an extreme increase in energy, impulsive behavior, and risk-taking. Those in a manic state will often experience inexplicable euphoria and delusions of grandeur. It is believed that millions of Americans currently have bipolar disorder.

The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder is among the most common co-occurring disorders seen with substance use disorder. Among the proposed reasons for the connection are:

• Genetics
• Epigenetic influences
• Environmental influences
• The involvement of similar brain regions
• Adverse childhood experiences

Whatever the connection may be, it is often seen that those with substance abuse issues often struggle with mental health issues. For this reason, it is often necessary to treat these issues for the substance use disorder to be properly addressed at a substance abuse detox center.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Can Help

For many years, people with substance use disorder were unable to receive treatment for their other mental health issues until they could get sober. The irony is that the mental health issues they were seeking help for were a major reason why they couldn’t remain sober. This fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of substance abuse and other mental health disorders has resulted in many preventable tragedies. Still, fortunately, perspectives have shifted as more data and information has emerged, and something called dual diagnosis treatment has replaced the old and ineffective methods that were once standard.

Dual diagnosis recovery recognizes the connection between substance use and mental illness. It seeks to treat them simultaneously by creating a blend of mental health care and substance abuse treatment catered to their unique needs.

Features of Our Bipolar and Addiction Treatment Program

While mental health treatments always vary depending on the individual, some commonalities will be found in most dual diagnosis treatments for bipolar disorder and addiction. If you or a loved one seek detox center programs for your co-occurring disorders, you can expect the following:

• Care within a single facility: More often than not, you can expect that your care will be best received in a rehabilitation facility, as effectively addressing co-occurring disorders is difficult in an outpatient setting.
• Individual therapy: Working with a detox therapy center on a one-to-one basis will be a basic tenet of your mental health care. There you can explore the roots of your substance abuse and learn how to manage your impulses and emotions.
• An experienced treatment team: Dual diagnosis treatment requires a team of addiction counselors, psychologists, and other experts that can work with you to help you achieve your goals of improving your mental health and long-term sobriety.
• Support groups: You can expect support from peers who are also battling bipolar disorder and addiction in our group therapy.
• Psychiatric medication: Bipolar disorder is most often managed through the use of medications. You’ll be able to determine which works best for you and get started on a regimen that can help you balance your mood swings.

Discover How United Recovery Project’s Detox Center Can Help

If you or someone you care about is struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, our dual diagnosis treatment program at United Recovery Project’s detox center can help. Reach out to us today at 833.525.0166 to learn more. We can help you determine an individualized addiction treatment plan.