Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida

Bipolar illness is a life-long mood disorder with no known cure. This condition causes extreme shifts in mood, drive, behavior, and energy levels. Hypomanic and manic episodes are the definitive signs that should send someone scurrying to a medical practitioner for testing. This disorder can severely impair a person’s ability to function normally and go about their daily tasks.

But all is not lost, there is hope. While some variants of bipolar disorder can be chronic, they are not necessarily life-threatening. Help is available at Amethyst Recovery Center’s bipolar disorder and substance abuse treatment center, where individuals can progress and develop healthy, non-destructive coping methods.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder recognized by periods of manic highs followed by depressive lows. In historical times, bipolar disorder was referred to as “manic depression” or “manic depressive disorder”. Bipolar disorder can be either chronic or episodic.

A person who suffers from bipolar disorder will also experience changes in their thought patterns, energy, mood, behavior, and sleep patterns. During depressive episodes, a person may become completely unable to function normally, meet social obligations such as work or school, and maintain healthy relationships.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Millions of adolescents and adults in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. Most bipolar diagnoses occur during the teenage years or early adulthood, though this disorder can occur at any age. Symptoms persist throughout a person’s life, but there are many ways available to manage and cope with the disorder. Living a healthy life is possible.

Experiencing traumatic events, the family medical history, and/or drug and alcohol abuse could all trigger the onset of this disorder. There is no clinically proven, definitive cause for bipolar disorder, though a person’s brain function and chemistry may play major roles.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Everyone suffering from bipolar disorder will have varying experiences, and the signs and symptoms for each person can vary. Some people may show all of the typical symptoms, while others may only show a few here and there. Recognizing the typical symptoms can help you or a loved one recognize the possibility of the disorder being present.

What are the Various Types of Bipolar Disorder?

There are three main types of bipolar disorder, and each one shares the same general indicators: periods of depressive lows preceded by periods of manic highs. The differences between the three are denoted by the intensity to which a person experiences each episode, as well as how long the episodes last.

1. Bipolar I Disorder. This type sees a person with a history of at least one manic episode, as well as occasional hypomanic or depressive episodes.
2. Bipolar II Disorder. This type is defined by less intense manic periods known as hypomanic episodes. Depressive periods, however, can still be as severe as in Bipolar I Disorder.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder. This type sees increased mood instability, both manic periods and depressive periods, that are shorter and less frequent than Bipolar II and Bipolar I disorders.

Note that it only takes one manic-depressive episode within three months for a bipolar diagnosis to be confirmed.

How Does Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse Co-Occur?

Substance use disorders are not directly related to bipolar disorders, however, there is a correlation between the two conditions. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can resemble addiction and substance abuse symptoms. People suffering from bipolar disorder may end up misusing prescription medication, creating dependencies, and developing addictions.  People may also turn to using illicit drugs to self-medicate and cope with their bipolar disorder symptoms.

For those having other significant risk factors already present, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to the development of bipolar disorder. People with substance use disorders who experience bipolar-like symptoms should speak to a medical professional about being tested.

Substance-Induced Bipolar Disorder

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and abusing other substances cause changes in brain chemistry, so prolonged use/abuse can develop into bipolar disorder. This is not permanent. Alcohol addiction treatment in Florida can reverse this condition, though some effects may last for a long time afterward.

What are Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse Treatments?

In cases where a substance use disorder is present as well as symptoms of bipolar disorder, a dual diagnosis may be required. A dual diagnosis is where a mental health issue, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression occurs at the same time as a substance use disorder.

Such correlating conditions can be treated, and there are several different modalities available for rehabilitation and management. A few treatment options available are:

Finding a Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental issue that some people will face. There is no known cure, however long-term treatment combined with a supportive family and peers can allow someone to properly recognize oncoming episodes, plan accordingly, and healthily cope with them. There is no reason why you cannot live a healthy and relatively normal life.

If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, or any other condition, you can seek help from your preferred medical practitioner. You can also reach out to a bipolar treatment facility near you to ask questions, discuss options, and book appointments through admissions.

Receive the Help You Deserve at Amethyst Recovery Center

At Amethyst Recovery Center, our treatment modalities are tailored and personalized for each patient in our care to ensure their specific mental health and physical health needs are met. Just as no two human beings are exactly alike, no two treatment methods should carbon-copy each other. We provide support, guidance, meals, and physical activities, all of which have proven time and again to be beneficial for a patient undergoing recovery.

Our journey with you does not stop at treatment. We believe in empowering our residents to excel in life. Our experienced and compassionate team brings energy, acceptance, passion, and new perspectives to treating mental health issues and addictions. We are here to answer your questions and open up a dialogue.

Contact us today to schedule a facility visit and tour or to enroll in our program right away. Reclaim your life, and be your best self.