The Link Between Manic Depression and Alcohol Abuse

Manic depression, which is now referred to as bipolar disorder, is a serious mental health condition that is believed to affect millions of people all over the world.

Often misunderstood, it is a disorder characterised by extreme mood swings, including depressive lows and manic highs. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from manic depression also experience issues with drug or alcohol addiction. Here, we explore the link between mental health and alcohol use, as well as the dangers of alcohol addiction and mood disorders. Plus, we’ll highlight treatment options for individuals currently struggling with both. 

Understanding Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

Manic depression is a complex condition that is characterised by significant shifts in mood, energy and behaviour. This can range from manic episodes where the individual feels extremely happy and energetic to extreme lows where someone feels deeply depressed and hopeless. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is when someone experiences a full-blown manic episode that lasts more than seven days and alternates with depressive episodes. Often, this requires hospitalisation. Bipolar II is when someone experiences hypomanic episodes, which are typically less severe and frequent but still alternate between manic highs and lows.  

During a manic episode, an individual may experience a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, an inflated sense of self-esteem and impulsive behaviour, including excessive spending and taking part in risky activities. During a depressive episode, an individual may experience persistent feelings of emptiness and sadness, fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt and even thoughts of death. 

It’s important to note that bipolar disorder can affect people differently and vary in severity. However, it can have a huge effect on daily life, and many people with the condition struggle to hold down relationships and jobs and even manage their day-to-day responsibilities. For this reason, unfortunately, some people turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms.

The Relationship Between Manic Depression and Alcohol Misuse

The link between manic depression and alcohol abuse is complex and often mutually reinforcing. This is because alcohol is a depressant, which means it can worsen mood disorders. When someone consumes alcohol, it alters the brain’s neurotransmitters and directly impacts the release of dopamine and serotonin – two hormones that are responsible for mood regulation.

What’s more, while alcohol might initially make someone feel relaxed or happy, it disrupts the body’s emotional balance, which can result in feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability. For those with mental health concerns like bipolar disorder, it can worsen their mood swings and make managing the condition more challenging.  

Research shows that many people with mental health concerns, including manic depression, turn to alcohol to self-medicate. For example, during depressive episodes, alcohol may provide temporary relief from feelings of sadness. Likewise, during manic episodes, individuals may use alcohol to celebrate and enhance their feelings of euphoria. This can create a vicious cycle of alcohol use, and ultimately lead to alcohol dependency. 

While alcohol use might seem like a quick-fix solution in the short term, over time, it can lead to more frequent and severe manic and depressive episodes. Research backs this by showing that people with bipolar disorder and other mental health concerns are more at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Known as dual diagnosis, this co-occurrence presents several challenges when it comes to treatment and recovery as both conditions feed into each other, worsening the various symptoms in turn.  

The Dangers of Manic Depression and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol can not only worsen mood swings and mental health conditions but also increase the risk of harmful and impulsive behaviour – leading to personal, financial and even legal problems. This makes the combination of alcohol use and bipolar disorder very dangerous. Alcohol use, especially during manic and depressive episodes, could even lead to impaired decision-making, and research shows that those with bipolar disorder are at risk of suicidal ideation. Alcohol, which is a depressant, could push an individual towards harmful actions, especially during a depressive episode. 

In addition to this, alcohol can also have an impact on medication efficacy. Many with bipolar disorders are prescribed mood stabilisers and antipsychotic medication to manage symptoms. Alcohol can interfere with these medications, making them less effective and even causing challenging side effects. This can make it very difficult to manage the condition.

Treatment Options for Manic Depression and Alcoholism

Treating a mental health condition like bipolar disorder alongside alcohol addiction requires simultaneous therapy. If you only address one of the conditions, there is a risk of relapse, as the untreated condition will likely fuel the other. For this reason, dual-diagnosis treatment programmes have been specifically designed to address the needs of mental health disorders and substance abuse.  

Two of the most popular types of therapy are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). CBT helps individuals to address negative behaviours and thought patterns while DBT works on emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and mindfulness. 

Both therapies are frequently offered at rehabilitation centres where individuals can receive dual diagnosis treatment, 24/7 medical care, counselling and support. 

Coping Strategies for Managing Bipolar Disorder Without Alcohol

Those recovering from bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse may find they need long-term strategies in place to help manage their symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse. This can include: 

•     Learning the early signs of a manic or depressive episode
•     Using journaling, deep breathing and exercise to stabilise emotions
•     Attending support groups and counselling for encouragement and to build relationships 
•     Establishing a healthy routine which prioritises good sleep, healthy eating and stress reduction

Seek Help for Co-occurring Disorders

If you or someone you know is struggling with manic depression and alcohol abuse, it’s important to seek help. This is because early intervention can provide much-needed support and tools necessary for long-term recovery.

What’s more, dual diagnosis rehab programmes offer structure, support and care to help you overcome both conditions and can help you get your life back on track. Contact our friendly team today to explore potential treatment options and take the first step towards recovery.