Bipolar Disorder And Substance AbuseBipolar Disorder and substance abuse sometimes go hand in hand. When this disorder goes undiagnosed and untreated sometimes people will self medicate and turn to substance abuse to relieve the symptoms. Bipolar disorder is related to moods. It causes severe mood swings from feelings of elation to very low depressions. When a person with bipolar disorder is on a 'high' cycle they may have trouble sleeping, increased energy and be restless. Because of this type of behavior, sometimes bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed as ADHD. The 'lows' associated with bipolar disorder can be serious depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. There are a series of psychological tests that can be administered to determine if bipolar disorder is present. There are medications that can be prescribed once a correct diagnosis has been reached. There may be a time of trial and error with medications however, because different medications react differently among people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder and substance abuse are found together more often than one would think. When the condition is left undiagnosed, diagnosed incorrectly or the medication trial and error period is occurring people may self medicate. Self medication comes in the form of substance abuse. When a person is experiencing the severe 'lows' of bipolar disorder they may seek out ways to lift the depression. Surprisingly enough, some turn to alcohol. This can be destructive because while alcohol can 'numb' the senses for awhile and give a false sense of well being, it is also a depressive substance and can make symptoms of depression worse. Bipolar disorder and substance abuse can also occur when a person who is not on correct medications try and continue the euphoric feelings that are present during a 'manic phase'. The 'manic phase' of this disorder is when there is increased energy, over inflated feelings of well being and this is the 'high' end of the mood swing. In order to maintain this 'manic phase' persons with bipolar disorder will sometimes turn to abusing substances such as amphetamines. Stimulant use can be very common among people with bipolar disorder. There are treatments available persons with bipolar disorder. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of this disorder will alert you to the fact that there may be a need for an evaluation. Evaluation for bipolar disorder is usually done through a psychologist or psychiatrist. Your general physician may also want to test your thyroid functions as this can sometimes be a contributing factor in bipolar disorder. Even though episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go for everyone, remember that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that currently has no cure. When people turn to substance abuse to treat the symptoms of their bipolar disorder this only complicates the situation as substance abuse can have grave consequences. Sticking to your treatment, even when you feel fine, can help keep the 'highs' and 'lows' under control and reduce the chance of substance abuse to self medicate. |