Bipolar & Addiction Treatment in Spokane Valley, Washington: Integrated Care Guide

Living with bipolar disorder is already a difficult journey for many. However, when it comes along with addiction, the path may seem impossible to navigate. If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and alcohol or drug use, knowing more about the close relationship between bipolar disorder and addiction is an essential step toward healing.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health issue that includes intense mood imbalances, i.e., mood swings. These attacks may have very adverse consequences on a person’s energy, behavior, judgment, and capacity to continue with day-to-day life.

Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

1. Sudden changes in mood or energy
2. Risky or impulsive behaviors
3. Periods of feeling invincible followed by intense sadness
4. Sleep disturbances
5. Racing thoughts or inability to focus

The Dangerous Link Between Bipolar and Addiction

The development of a substance use disorder by people with bipolar disorder is not uncommon. The co-occurring condition is often referred to as a dual diagnosis.

Why does this happen? Individuals with bipolar disorder might turn to drug or alcohol abuse as a way of dealing with their conditions. Substances may increase risky behavior during manic phases, and can be viewed as an escape during periods of depression. This self-medication, however, aggravates both mental health conditions as time goes by.

How Addiction Worsens Bipolar Symptoms

1. Increases mood instability
2. Interferes with medications and treatment
3. Triggers more frequent or severe episodes
4. Raises the risk of hospitalization or self-harm

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline: (509) 348-4077

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: A Complex Relationship

In case of a combination of bipolar disorder and addiction, one disorder can worsen the other. Substance use can trigger either manic or depressive episodes, depending on the person and situation. The flip side is that strong emotions that result from bipolar swings can feed cravings and addictions.

Substances commonly abused by individuals with bipolar disorder:

1. Alcohol (leading to bipolar alcohol addiction)
2. Cocaine or amphetamines
3. Marijuana
4. Prescription drugs (especially sedatives or stimulants)

Bipolar and alcohol use often go hand in hand. Alcohol is a depressant, and this fact may aggravate depressive cycles and complicate stabilizing moods.

Shopping Addiction with Bipolar and BPD

Impulsive behavior is a hallmark of bipolar mania. This may occur as shopping addiction, particularly in people with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although frequently treated as less severe, excessive shopping can result in economic disaster, anxiety, relationship issues, and aggravation of mental illness symptoms.

When it is coupled with substance use, this forms a cycle of harmful coping mechanisms that may seem impossible to get out of without help.

Why Treatment Must Address Both Disorders Together

An integrated approach is necessary to successfully overcome bipolar disorder and addiction. Without treating both, one usually results in relapse or insufficient recovery. A dual diagnosis program enables patients to stabilize their mood and leave substance dependence simultaneously.

Effective treatment includes the following.

1. Medication management: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants
2. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
3. Psychoeducation: Teaching people and families the skills to cope with bipolar disorder
4. Relapse prevention planning
5. Support groups and aftercare

Finding the Right Support: What to Look For

When seeking assistance, opt to find a program that has experience in treating mental health as well as addiction. You’ll want a caring staff that knows the ins and outs of bipolar and substance abuse disorders and develops custom treatment plans.

We Level Up Washington offers a special approach that treats those with bipolar and addiction. We provide evidence-based treatment to those in the Spokane Valley area and the surrounding metro and beyond, accompanying our clients through every step.

How to Cope with Bipolar and Addiction

It should be understood that recovery is possible. A large number of people successfully recover, moving on to lead full, happy lives. Some ways to deal with bipolar and addiction include the following options.

1. Seek Professional Help

Early treatment by a mental health professional is critical. If you suspect both conditions are present, don’t wait. Integrated care can significantly improve outcomes.

2. Establish a Routine

Structure helps regulate mood and reduce chaos. Mental and emotional stability are best aided by a consistent pattern of sleeping, eating, and exercising.

3. Learn Triggers and Warning Signs

You may figure out what provokes your episodes or substance use cravings and then learn to answer them in different ways. This might include avoiding certain people, situations, or stressors.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Some of the tools that would help one to de-stress and overcome the feelings of overwhelming emotions include deep breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, or yoga.

5. Build a Support System

Be with individuals who know and can encourage your recovery. This can comprise friends, family members, or support groups that are dual diagnosis-based.

The Science Behind Bipolar and Substance Use

It has been indicated in research that individuals who have bipolar disorder are much more susceptible to substance problems. Both conditions influence the brain’s reward system, mood regulation areas, and the ability to respond to fight or flight. The release of stress hormones in the manic or depressive episodes caused by the body can generate strong drives to take substances to feel better.

Chronic drug use or alcohol use may also hurt the digestive system and exacerbate conditions of nausea and vomiting, along with causing physical discomfort that is added to emotional issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

You are not alone if you have both bipolar and addiction issues. Many people have already walked this path and successfully healed. With the appropriate treatment, you will become stable, develop healthier routines, and regain control of your life.

We Level Up Washington is well-versed in dual diagnosis care. We want to be with you every step of the way and offer highly personalized plans, genuine support, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.

Give us a call today to learn more or speak with one of our compassionate staff members, who will guide you through the next step.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.