Bipolar & Substance Abuse Disorders: A Complex Diagnosis that Demands Integrated Medical & Psychological Care

The word “bipolar” has become colloquially associated with anything that changes rapidly or is unpredictable: the weather, technology, sports teams, politics, or even a teenager’s attitude. But for roughly 46 million people worldwide, being “bipolar” is far more serious than typical unpredictability, mood swings, or temperamental behavior. And, when bipolar disorder is complicated by substance use disorder (SUD), the situation can become incredibly dangerous for the individual and those around them. Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar and the complicating factors of substance use disorder is crucial for physicians, mental health advocates, law enforcement, and anyone who lives with or loves someone who suffers with bipolar tendencies. To break through the stigma, World Bipolar Day aims to raise awareness of bipolar disorders with activities that provide education, support, and improve sensitivity around the illness. Most importantly, shedding the stigma around any mental illness starts with understanding the disorder itself and devising a holistic treatment and support plan that addresses the prevalence of confounding substance use disorders. The Bipolar/SUD Connection The statistics are startling: People with bipolar disorders are 11 times more likely to also have a substance use disorder. Over half of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a history of illicit drug abuse and 44% of bipolar patients have abused or are dependent on alcohol. What drives this con...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Addiction Alcoholism Bipolar Recovery Substance Abuse Addiction Recovery Bipolar Disorder Detox Dual Diagnosis World Bipolar Day Source Type: blogs