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Alcoholics & Bipolar Disorder

Many who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder are also diagnosed with an alcohol or drug addiction. While bipolar disorder and addictions are separate illnesses, the chance of a diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder together is common, and may be referred to as a dual-diagnosis.

  1. Alcoholism

    • According to MedicineNet.com, alcohol dependence is a chronic illness that is characterized by the following symptoms: a craving for alcohol, not being able to quit drinking once you've started, having withdrawal symptoms like shakiness anxiety, and nausea when you quit drinking for a period of time; and the need to drink larger quantities of alcohol over time to get the same high feelings.

      Alcoholism is a serious disease that can lead to severe health problems including liver and heart disease, some types of cancer, vitamin deficiencies, ulcers and sexual dysfunction. Abuse of alcohol can also create problems in relationships and with work and daily life.

    Bipolar Disorder

    • Bipolar disorder is characterized by wildly fluctuating mood swings---from manic highs, to severely depressed lows. Manic episodes may lead to irresponsible and dangerous acts, and depressive episodes can lead to thoughts of death and suicide and even attempts at suicide.

    Why They Occur Together

    • According to OhioHealthOnline, while the exact reason for the alcoholic and bipolar connection is not known, there may be a genetic link between alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder.

      Further, The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that alcohol may trigger the onset of bipolar symptoms in some people; or that alcohol is used to self-medicate, especially during manic periods to prolong the pleasure associated with being manic, or to help diminish manic agitation.

    Consequences

    • The consequences of mixing alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder can be life-threatening, combining the lowered inhibitions and decision-making abilities of being under the influence of alcohol with the symptoms of mania, such as aggressive feelings or feelings of being invincible; or depressed symptoms such as thoughts of suicide.

      Each disease is difficult to manage and brings with it the potential for health, relationship, and work problems, including a diminished capacity for normal functioning on a daily basis.

    Treatment

    • Treating an alcoholic with bipolar disorder will involve a multi-leveled approach. Because alcohol interferes with effectiveness of medications used to treat bipolar disorder, and can aggravate bipolar symptoms, alcohol abuse must stop---meaning that a lifestyle of sobriety is required.

      Often, a person with a dual-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and alcoholism will attend an alcohol abuse treatment program indefinitely. Treatment for bipolar disorder will involve medication therapy. Both alcoholism and bipolar disorder respond positively to psychotherapy in conjunction with other treatment methods.

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