Diagnosing a mental disorder frequently becomes demanding for physicians due to the various complexities involved in the process. While many mental disorders share similar symptoms, many others do not show any signs at all until they get to an advanced stage. As a result, many people fall prey to misdiagnosis for a condition that could be simply cured with early diagnosis and monitoring. Today, scientists are working on developing better tools for the proper screening of individuals who are susceptible to different mental health conditions.

When it comes to misdiagnosis, bipolar disorder tops the list of mental disorders. The mental health state is often puzzled with either depression or schizophrenia due to overlapping symptoms. In the current situation, bipolarity is normally detected based on the signs experienced by the patient. If you or someone you identify is getting both bipolar disorder and addiction, there are lots of treatment options at Nasha Mukti Kendra in Punjab available to help.

All information about Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a constant mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings that contain emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can influence sleep, energy levels, behaviour, and the capability to think clearly. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of acute mood changes. There are numerous types of bipolar disorder, but all involve variations in mood that can impact daily life. Here are the key symptoms:

Manic Episodes:

During this occurrence, a person might feel very happy, energetic, or bad-tempered. They may engage in hazardous behaviours, spend money extremely, or make big, impractical plans. Even there are high energy levels, euphoria, or petulance.

Depressive Episodes:

In this, a person might feel very cheerless, fruitless, or fatigued. The person may detach themselves and lose interest in activities they once liked and have trouble with daily tasks. Also, they lose notice in relationships and hobbies. In brutal cases, they might have desperate thoughts or tendencies.

Bipolar disorder carries important risks, such as a raised probability of suicide and a higher chance of developing substance use disorder compared to the general population.

What is Substance use disorder (SUD)?

SUD is a condition where a person becomes dependent on substances like alcohol, unlawful drugs, or prescription medicines. Even when alert of the detrimental consequences, they continue to use these substances. SUD can vary from mild to severe and can direct to physical, psychological, and social troubles. When someone has both SUD and bipolar disorder, diagnosing these conditions becomes more challenging. The combination can lead to severe health matters and make it harder for the person to stick to their treatment plan.

The Link between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

People with bipolar disorder are at a high risk of developing SUD. Statistics show that up to 40–59% of persons with bipolar disorder will experience SUD at some point in their lives. When both conditions take place together, it can lead to more severe signs and impediments, involving:

• Longer and more frequent manic or depressive episodes
• Poor quality of life
• Higher risk of deterioration

Why do bipolar disorder and substance use often occur together?

Researchers are still trying to comprehend why SUD is more common in people with bipolar disorder. One assumption is that people with bipolar disorder may apply the stuff to self-medicate. They may try to handle the symptoms of their condition, such as anxiety, depression, and racing thoughts, by using alcohol or drugs. These substances can provisionally reduce these signs, providing feelings of rest and euphoria. Another factor is the shared hazard factors between the two conditions, such as the past of trauma or abuse. People with bipolar disorder might use materials to flee aching memories or emotions. During manic states, the beings with bipolar disorder may engage in risky behaviors, with substance use. They might use drugs or alcohol to improve their high or to help them come downward from a manic chapter. This can lead to a cycle of substance usage and worsening bipolar signs. So, these can be cured via Nasha Mukti Kendra in Punjab.

Diagnosing bipolarity with the brain imaging technique

Mental disorders are always connected with distractions or alterations in the chemistry of the brain. Disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently linked with odd connections in dissimilar parts of the brain. At times, it might get even trickier for doctors to segregate the symptoms of BD and schizophrenia, in case the previous is escorted by delusions or hallucinations, apart from other signs. However, by using the imaging method, a doctor can simply notice various changes in the brain’s structure, which in turn can help in the accurate diagnosis of BD. It may also help persons who are at a higher risk of developing bipolarity and also help decrease its impact in case it is diagnosed.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

SUD involves the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs, leading to a loss of control over substance intake. It can cause important changes in behaviour and physical health. People with SUD might experience:

Behavioural Changes: 

They may prioritize substance usage over other liabilities, leading to troubles at work, school, or home.

Physical Dependence: 

They may develop tolerance, need more of the stuff to accomplish the same effect, and experience extraction symptoms when not using.

Treating Substance use disorder

Research on curing SUD and bipolar disorder together is still on the rise. While there are effective treatments for every condition discretely, combined treatment approaches are less obvious. Treating both conditions concurrently represents distinctive challenges, as the presence of one disorder can obscure the management of the other. Before starting treatment, healthcare professionals evaluate the sort of substance used, the duration of addiction, and any other existing health issues. Personalized treatment plans are vital for addressing the complexities of co-occurring disorders.

Effective Treatment Approaches of Nasha Mukti Kendra in Mohali to Treat Both Bipolar Disorder and SUD:

Medication:

Medications can help to deal with the signs of both bipolar disorder and SUD. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are generally used for bipolar disorder, while medications like naltrexone or methadone can help with SUD.

Therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can help individuals recognize their behaviours and develop improved coping strategies. Therapy can also tackle the primary matters, such as trauma or stress.

Support Groups:

Joining support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can provide a sense of society and support from others who know what you’re going through.

Lifestyle Changes:

Making affirmative lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and good quality sleep hygiene, can help tackle the symptoms of both conditions.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder drastically impacts a person’s mood and health, and the addition of substance use can obscure the situation further. Depression in bipolar disorder can lead to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, resulting in SUD. While research continues to develop incorporated treatment strategies, it’s vital to address these disorders and their latent outcomes widely. Support from the best medication centers like Nasha Mukti Kendra in Mohali can help manage both conditions. Also, raising knowledge and supporting those affected can make an important difference in their voyage toward recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, look for the said center for a better life.