Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Effects, Risks, Management

Likewise, if you are only treated for addiction, the symptoms of bipolar disorder will likely trigger you to relapse and drink again, even after a successful period of sobriety. Treatment for substance use disorder is most effective when all your needs are addressed. This includes many factors, but most importantly it means that you must be liberty caps identification treated for both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder.

Modern treatment concepts acknowledge the interplay between these disorders using an integrated therapy approach where both disorders are tackled in the same setting by a multi-professional team. Adding valproate to lithium may reduce alcohol consumption whereas studies with antipsychotics or naltrexone and acamprosate did not affect mood fluctuations or drinking patterns. In summary, there is a continuous need for more research in order to develop evidence-based approaches for integrated treatment of this frequent comorbidity. This recommendation is, by large, based on the CBT studies conducted by Farren et al. In a prospective cohort study, 232 comorbid patients with alcohol dependence and an affective disorder (among whom 102 were individuals with BDs), received inpatient treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy for 4 weeks (90).

Comorbid Bipolar and Alcohol Use Disorder—A Therapeutic Challenge

Results of an open study suggested a reduction of both craving and stabilization of mood with naltrexone in patients with BD + AUD (125). However, improvement of mood was not confirmed in a double-blind study with naltrexone add-on to cognitive behavioral therapy, and there was only a trend toward less alcohol consumption (121). Similar disappointing results have been reported from a controlled study with acamprosate in BD + AUD (122). Weiss et al. (2007) then conducted a randomized controlled study in which IGT was compared to an active control condition, Group Drug Counseling (GDC) (Daley et al., 2002). GDC has the same structure as IGT (e.g., there is a check-in at the beginning and a session topic), but the content differs in that GDC addresses primarily substance use. With proper treatment, support, and commitment to self-care, individuals with bipolar disorder can successfully manage their condition and achieve lasting sobriety.

1. As a result of this process, a number of evidence-based psychotherapies have been developed for BD and for alcohol dependence.
2. These activities include going to work or school, as well as taking part in social activities and getting along with others.
3. Table 1 supplies an overview of double-blind, randomized pharmacological studies for comorbid bipolar affective and AUDs, based on a systematic PubMed search.
4. Specific numbers for AUD and BD are not available, but for affective disorders (AD) in general and SUD, criminal behavior has been observed twice as frequent in AD with SUD compared to AD without (63).

The National Institutes of Health give no specific advice against using alcohol with lithium, but a doctor may provide additional information. If a person has psychosis and consumes alcohol, this can lead to both short-term and long-term complications. To identify AUD, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your habits and your body’s reactions to drinking. Your doctor may recommend working with a therapist who specializes in one or both conditions. They may also recommend a physical health evaluation to rule out any other potential medical causes.

Epidemiology of Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder

Seek treatment for bipolar disorder and talk to your doctor or therapist about drinking and how to stop. When a person takes their medication, they are in a better position to manage their condition. However, adhering to treatment can be difficult for some people with bipolar disorder. Addictive behavior and alcohol and substance abuse are common among people with bipolar disorder. To receive a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis, you must have had at least one major depressive episode. Treatment for alcohol use disorder and bipolar disorder can vary depending on the severity of the conditions.

This mental health condition can be challenging to manage on its own, but when combined with alcohol use, the difficulties can multiply exponentially. Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, has a profound impact on mental health, can you drink on cymbalta often exacerbating existing conditions and potentially triggering new ones. A plan for ongoing treatment or strategies to avoid drinking after a stay in residential treatment will help you avoid relapsing. It is hard work to go through treatment for both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, but if you put in the time and effort it really can be effective. It causes manic moods and depression, both of which can be debilitating and dangerous.

To diagnose bipolar disorder, your doctor will look at your health profile and discuss any symptoms you may have. Your doctor may also conduct a medical exam to rule out the possibility of other underlying conditions. In people with bipolar disorder or AUD, it’s believed that the chemicals that regulate moods don’t work properly. Your environment as a young person can also influence whether you’re likely to develop AUD. All that’s needed for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is the development of a manic episode. These episodes may be so severe that they require hospitalization in order to stabilize.

How are alcohol use and bipolar disorder treated and managed?

The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism is a family pedigree investigation that enrolled treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent probands who met the DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence (70). Of the 228 Bipolar probands, 75.4% (74% in bipolar I patients and 77% in bipolar II patients) fulfilled criteria for DSM-IV life time alcohol dependence. Integrated treatment can occur either at the programmatic level or at the individual or group patient level. This series of studies on bipolar subjects with alcohol dependence examined the response to an inpatient integrated four-week psychoeducational programme with appropriate individualised pharmacotherapy. When followed up at six months post-discharge, various positive prognostic factors were identified, including early abstinence, baseline low anxiety, and engagement with an aftercare programme (Farren and McElroy, 2010). By two years, however, different positive prognostic factors emerged including female gender (Farren et al., 2011).

On the other hand, the person may decide to skip their medication in order to drink more “safely.” However, not taking the medication can cause symptoms to return. If a person uses valproic acid with alcohol, this may put extra strain on the liver, increasing the risk of liver disease. Bipolar disorder is believed to result from imbalances in brain chemistry. Bipolar disorder affects around 4.4 percent of people in the United States at some time in their lives. Always ask a doctor’s advice before stopping a medication or changing your treatment routine. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

It’s important to recognize that alcohol use can significantly complicate the course of bipolar disorder, interfering with treatment efficacy and potentially leading to more severe symptoms and poorer outcomes. If you’re concerned about a loved one and believe they may need residential care, we can help. BrightQuest offers long-term treatment for people struggling with schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenia, and severe bipolar disorder as well as other co-occurring conditions. Contact us to learn more about our renowned program and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward recovery. If you are only treated for bipolar disorder and continue to drink, not only can your substance use disorder become more severe, it can trigger recurrences of mental health symptoms.

Another explanation for the connection is that people with bipolar disorder can exhibit reckless behavior, and AUD is consistent with this type of behavior. At Healthgrades, our Editorial Team works hard to develop complete, objective and meaningful health information to help people choose the right doctor, right hospital and right care. Our writers include physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses with firsthand clinical experience. All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible.

People with bipolar disorder often use medications to stabilize their symptoms. Bipolar disorder is already difficult to diagnose, as it can share symptoms with other conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and depression. In 2011, researchers noted that alcohol misuse can result in a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. This may cause alcohol misuse and bipolar disorder each to trigger symptoms of the other condition. The effects of bipolar disorder vary between individuals and also according to the phase of the disorder that the person is experiencing.

In adolescents with comorbid BD and SUD, inclusion of the family appears crucial. Family-focused treatment (FFT) with psychoeducation is recommended and effective (99). Alcohol misuse and bipolar disorder can also produce overlapping symptoms, and they may trigger each recovery group games other in some circumstances. Consuming alcohol during a depressive phase can increase the risk of lethargy and can further reduce inhibitions. A person who consumes alcohol during a manic phase has a higher risk of engaging in impulsive behavior because alcohol reduces a person’s inhibitions.

It is only through demonstration of the effectiveness of treatment integration that there will be extensive therapeutic efforts to bridge psychiatric treatment programmes and services, and substance abuse treatment programmes and services. That treatment integration is still a long way off, despite the accumulating research demonstrating the benefits of integration. In conclusion, the combination of bipolar disorder and alcohol use presents significant challenges, but with proper understanding, treatment, and support, these challenges can be overcome. By recognizing the risks, seeking help when needed, and committing to a healthy lifestyle, individuals with bipolar disorder can navigate the complex landscape of mental health and substance use, working towards a more stable and fulfilling life. If you or a loved one are struggling with both bipolar disorder and alcohol use, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional with experience in dual diagnosis can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses both conditions.