Relationship Between Alcohol and Bipolar Disorder

Patients who are fully manic often require hospitalization to decrease the risk of harming themselves or others. This mixed mania, as it is called, appears to be accompanied by a greater risk of suicide and is more difficult to treat. Patients with 4 or more mood episodes within the same 12 months are considered to have rapid cycling bipolar disorder, which is a predictor of poor response to some medications. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by episodes of hypomania, a less severe form of mania, which lasts for at least 4 days in a row and is not severe enough to require hospitalization.

Mental Health and Loneliness

One study of 421 people found that 25% had both alcohol misuse and depression. Living with bipolar disorder can make it feel like you never get a break from big emotions. Alcohol and its numbing effect provide temporary relief, but your relationship with it can quickly become toxic.

• Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on whether it’s during a mania, hypomania, or depressive episode.
• If you’ve lost control over your drinking or you misuse drugs, get help before your problems get worse and are harder to treat.
• Understanding what alcohol does to your condition and discussing it with your doctor can help you maintain better health and well-being.
• If you’re taking medication for bipolar disorder, mixing what you’ve been prescribed with alcohol can have serious risks.

Prevalence of Comorbidity

Of the 11 criteria, 2–3 should be fulfilled to diagnose mild alcohol use disorder (AUD) (12). Also, BD criteria experienced some adaptions with yet speculative consequences for epidemiological figures. Whereas, criteria for a manic episode were tightened (13, 14) preceding substance use per se is no more an exclusion criterion for a genuine bipolar disorder and alcohol BD diagnosis as long as the mental alterations exceed well the physiological effect of the substance. This may change figures of future epidemiological studies on SUD and BD comorbidity to some degree. For those living with bipolar disorder, adding alcohol into the mix can complicate an already challenging path. Yet, with the right tools, resources, and professional guidance, recovery is achievable.

Unfortunately, this combination can lead to serious consequences for mental and physical health. Understanding how these two conditions interact is important because their connection is more common than many people realize. In this article, you’ll learn about the risks, why it’s difficult to manage both, and how to find help for yourself or someone you care about. If you or a loved one is struggling, consider seeking support from Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, which specializes in addressing both mental health and addiction challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar disorder in the past year.” The majority of individuals with BD experience one or more accompanying mental health issues. Treatment programs use a whole-person approach and integrative care to ensure clients receive access to essential services for both BD and substance abuse.

• Adding valproate to lithium may reduce alcohol consumption whereas studies with antipsychotics or naltrexone and acamprosate did not affect mood fluctuations or drinking patterns.
• You will quickly build a tolerance, meaning you’ll need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects.
• There’s been a recent trend to consider treating both conditions simultaneously, using medications and other therapies that treat each condition.
• Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
• To receive a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis, you must have had at least one major depressive episode.

Because evidence suggests that active drinking may worsen bipolar symptoms, it makes sense that medications designed to decrease alcohol consumption may be useful in bipolar alcoholics. Naltrexone (ReVia™) is an FDA-approved medication designed to decrease cravings for alcohol. Maxwell and Shinderman (2000) reviewed the use of naltrexone in the treatment of alcoholism in 72 patients with major mental disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression. Eighty-two percent of patients stayed on naltrexone for at least 8 weeks, 11 percent discontinued the medication because of side effects, and the remaining 7 percent discontinued for other reasons.

Alcohol Use Linked to Increased Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

A dual diagnosis is when someone is diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorder. These difficulties, the possible side effects of the drugs, and the features of bipolar disorder itself can make it hard for a person to keep to a treatment plan. The researchers found a direct link between alcohol consumption and the rate of occurrence of manic or depressive episodes, even when study participants drank a relatively small amount of alcohol.

Familial Risk of Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism

From its impact on brain function to its role as a trigger for mood episodes and a coping mechanism, the relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder is complex. In the next section, we will delve deeper into the research findings on the co-occurrence of alcohol and bipolar disorder, exploring potential reasons for their comorbidity and examining the interaction effects of alcohol and bipolar medications. Psychosocial interventions have often been considered the mainstays of treatment for alcoholism and other substance use disorders.

Management

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterised by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Alcohol dependence (AUD) often co-occurs with bipolar disorder, exacerbating its symptoms and complicating its treatment. Here, we discuss the complex interaction between bipolar disorder and alcoholism by examining their overlapping risk factors, consequences and treatment approaches. Like a volatile cocktail, the combination of bipolar disorder and alcohol consumption creates a dangerous mixture that can amplify symptoms, complicate treatment, and lead to dire consequences for those affected. This complex relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol use has long been a subject of concern for mental health professionals and researchers alike. Understanding the intricate interplay between these two conditions is crucial for effective treatment and support of individuals grappling with this dual challenge.

Interference with Medications

People with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with intense mood swings. For example, they might drink during manic episodes to slow down or during depressive phases to feel numb. However, alcohol disrupts brain chemistry, which worsens mood swings and increases instability. Yes, it can, as alcohol exacerbates symptoms and intensifies emotional volatility. Alcohol is a depressant that disrupts neurotransmitters and affects multiple body systems, including heart, kidney, and liver health.

Family-focused treatment (FFT) with psychoeducation is recommended and effective (99). Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Using both at the same time can increase the effect, with potentially serious consequences. The person may experience hallucinations, or they may believe that they are very important, that they are above the law, or that no harm can come to them, whatever they do. Consuming alcohol during a depressive phase can increase the risk of lethargy and can further reduce inhibitions.

It’s more severe, with manic episodes lasting for at least a week and depressive episodes lasting for at least two. Read on to find out more about the links between bipolar disorder and alcohol consumption. Limiting or avoiding alcohol may help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder and support your health. Participants selected for the present study were those with a diagnosis of BD type I (BDI) or type II (BDII) who had been in the study for at least 5 years. Data used were extracted from February 2006 to April 2022, and follow-up ranged from 5 to 16 years.