Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Four Types Of Bipolar Disorder
There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.
The cause of what causes bipolar disorder cannot be easily answered. There can be a combination of many factors that influence the risk for bipolar disorders. Some of these factors include genetics, environment, and biology.
- Genetics – The genes we are born with are responsible for half of the risk for bipolar disorder.
- Environment – One’s environment includes many influences, such as family and friends, economic status, and general quality of life.
- Biology – Areas of the brain that develop coping skills, decision-making, judgment, and self-control may not develop properly, leading to the disorder.
The “cure” That Causes More Problems
Many people with bipolar disorders “cure” their symptoms with drugs because it can be uncomfortable. When they are in a “low,” they use drugs to bring them up, and when they are on a “high,” they may use drugs to keep that going. However, using drugs can make bipolar disorders worse due to the extreme “low” that happens when coming down from the drugs. Also, drugs mess with the chemical makeup of the brain, and with bipolar disorder, on top of that, the results can be severe.
Bipolar disorder and drug addiction usually go hand in hand and relate on many accounts. The majority of drug addicts have mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. Drug use can trigger bipolar disorders for those who have no history of mental health, to begin with.
Kill Two Birds With One Stone – Treating Both Disorders
Treatment is essential and available when both disorders exist. Since both disorders are often linked, it is very important to treat both disorders simultaneously. Treating only one will result in an ineffective outcome. A treatment center with intensive dual diagnoses programs and medication treatment for both symptoms and therapeutic sessions is the best option for success.
Self Medication Is Not The Answer, Get Help Today!
The team of addiction specialists at the Addiction Recovery Institute of America in West Palm Beach knows that no two individuals struggling with addiction are the same. This is why we are careful to design a drug and alcohol treatment center for each of our clients tailored to their individual needs. From our detox programs to our residential recovery programs to our outpatient care, ARIA FL has the right solution for you.
The first step towards recovering from a co-occurring disorder is always the hardest. It is very difficult to do this on your own. That’s why the Addiction Recovery Institute of America is here to help. This condition can be successfully treated at our dual diagnosis rehab center in West Palm Beach, FL. Dual diagnosis drug rehab centers create the right environment, customize treatment, and offer a caring and professional staff that will help you achieve lasting sobriety.