The Link Between Manic Depression and Alcohol Abuse
Advice Blog Posts
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.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.
Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.
1. Inpatient vs Outpatient
There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery. And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.2. Location
Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre. Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?
Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Art and Music Therapy
- Holistic Treatments
- Alternative Addiction Treatments
4. How Much Does It Cost
Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.5. Aftercare Options
An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers. And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.I’m Still Unsure
If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.
1. Inpatient vs Outpatient
There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery. And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.
2. Location
Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre.
Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.
3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?
Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Art and Music Therapy
- Holistic Treatments
- Alternative Addiction Treatments
4. How Much Does It Cost
Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.
5. Aftercare Options
An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers.
And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.
I’m Still Unsure
If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.
Top 5 things to consider when choosing a private rehab centre
Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But…
January 20th, 2020
by maxweb
There are many ways to decide if a rehabilitation centre is appropriate and the Care Quality Commission report can be a great place to start.
CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect and regulate social care services and providers like; GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and care homes.
All inspections are performed by highly trained experts who create a report which is graded as either, outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
What Is The Purpose Of The Care Quality Commission?
Their purpose and values are to make sure people are receiving effective, compassionate, high-quality care. And they strive for excellence, care, integrity and teamwork, which is particularly important when selecting a rehabilitation centre. Most rehabilitation providers will share their latest report and results on their websites or can provide you with the full report if you ask for it.What Does The CQC Report Cover?
The report will cover everything they check during the inspection. The CQC make sure that all patients are treated with respect and care at every stage of treatment. They also check the quantity and quality of any food and drink and all the facilities and equipment are well maintained. The CQC are aware that there may be issues from time to time, so the report also covers how any complaints are handled and how they continuously have plans to maintain high levels of care. They also check the quantity and quality of all the staff.Why Are CQC Reports So Beneficial?
Care Quality Commission reports are so beneficial when choosing a rehabilitation centre because it is an unbiased evaluation of service providers. And because the providers are continuously inspected you know the care you will be receiving is the care reflected in the report. We know it could feel overwhelming reading a full report for every rehabilitation centre you are considering but thankfully any centres that have a CQC rating will normally display it clearly; like the traffic light system below. The rating will be displayed in any waiting areas or communal and service rooms. They must also show their rating on their website. So you will know at a quick glance if you should consider your chosen rehabilitation centre.
I'm Still Unsure
If you are still unsure about how to pick the right rehabilitation centre contact us and we can talk you through the selection process and begin your recovery journey.CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect and regulate social care services and providers like; GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and care homes. All inspections are performed by highly trained experts who create a report which is graded as either, outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
What Is The Purpose Of The Care Quality Commission?
Their purpose and values are to make sure people are receiving effective, compassionate, high-quality care. And they strive for excellence, care, integrity and teamwork, which is particularly important when selecting a rehabilitation centre.
Most rehabilitation providers will share their latest report and results on their websites or can provide you with the full report if you ask for it.
What Does The CQC Report Cover?
The report will cover everything they check during the inspection. The CQC make sure that all patients are treated with respect and care at every stage of treatment. They also check the quantity and quality of any food and drink and all the facilities and equipment are well maintained.
The CQC are aware that there may be issues from time to time, so the report also covers how any complaints are handled and how they continuously have plans to maintain high levels of care. They also check the quantity and quality of all the staff.
Why Are CQC Reports So Beneficial?
Care Quality Commission reports are so beneficial when choosing a rehabilitation centre because it is an unbiased evaluation of service providers. And because the providers are continuously inspected you know the care you will be receiving is the care reflected in the report.
We know it could feel overwhelming reading a full report for every rehabilitation centre you are considering but thankfully any centres that have a CQC rating will normally display it clearly; like the traffic light system below.
The rating will be displayed in any waiting areas or communal and service rooms. They must also show their rating on their website. So you will know at a quick glance if you should consider your chosen rehabilitation centre.
I’m Still Unsure
If you are still unsure about how to pick the right rehabilitation centre contact us and we can talk you through the selection process and begin your recovery journey.
Benefits of choosing a CQC Registered rehab clinic
CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect and regulate social care services and providers like; GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation…
January 20th, 2020
by maxweb