Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Managing Triggers and Avoiding Relapse

The relationship between bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse is bidirectional, and these disorders co-curring make the clinical image more complex, raising the need for professional treatment. Its complexity requires simultaneous treatment, considering the mutual effect of these disorders on each other. A dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder typically means more severe symptoms of each of these disorders. 

We at Little Creek Addiction Treatment Center in Pennsylvania would like to share with you how alcohol impacts bipolar disorder (BD) and vice versa and warn you about the long-term effects of using alcohol as a coping mechanism. Keep reading to learn about alternative, healthy coping mechanisms and practical tips to manage both alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder.

Understanding the Relationship Between Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol

The relationship between BD and alcohol abuse disorder is complex. While alcoholism may develop as a coping mechanism for symptoms of bipolar disorder, at the same time, it makes the same symptoms worse. The impact alcohol has further creates a drive to consume more alcohol as a way to cope with now amplified symptoms of bipolar. This creates a vicious circle that is difficult to break, often requiring medication assisted treatment in Pennsylvania.

What Does Alcohol Do to Someone with Bipolar?

It’s fairly straightforward to understand why alcohol consumption magnifies symptoms of bipolar disorder. Alcohol affects mood, and bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. Consuming high amounts of alcohol can make a person irritable, emotional, or even aggressive. On the other hand, this phase of alcohol impact is followed by a low phase characterized by fatigue and feeling blue.

As for bipolar disorder, it typically has two phases: 

• A depressive phase is characterized by symptoms similar to depression, meaning low mood, low energy, and sadness. A person in a depressive state will be irritable, have low self-esteem, and typically have trouble concentrating or remembering.
• A manic or hypomanic phase is characterized by feeling extremely happy, overly confident, and behaving impulsively. A person in the manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder will most likely engage in high-risk behaviors, including reckless driving or excessive spending, and will often feel agitated for no reason. 

Keeping this in mind, alcohol can easily amplify any of these phases, resulting in risky behavior or depressive states. Consequentially, symptoms are more prominent and can put a person in danger. It is especially dangerous for those consuming certain medications, so it’s advisable to inform yourself of the dangers of mixing benzos and alcohol if that is wat you use.

Why People with Bipolar Disorder May Turn to Alcohol

People turn to alcohol for various reasons, and people who are bipolar might be more prone to doing so. First, it is not unusual for people with mental health disorders to turn to substance and alcohol use as a way to manage their symptoms. This unhealthy coping mechanism typically provides short-term relief, but long-term results in more issues than resolutions.

Other reasons for alcohol consumption include social pressure and attempts to deal with stress. Stress management is particularly important for people with severe mental health issues such as bipolar disorder. When lacking healthy techniques to do so, people may turn to alcohol as a way to provide short-term relief.

How Alcohol Can Worsen Bipolar Symptoms and Lead to a Bipolar Crash

It’s important to note that alcohol is not the only thing that can impact bipolar disorder and its symptoms. Other things can amplify them and make the clinical image worse. However, it is also important to keep in mind that alcohol’s impact is such that it can cause a bipolar crash and have long-term consequences. 

What Makes Bipolar Worse?

Much research is done investigating risk factors and contributing factors of bipolar disorder. As one of the strategies for maintaining bipolar disorder, having a regular daily routine is mentioned. Some interesting findings were observed when studies investigated what happens if this routine is disrupted. It was found that not keeping a routine increases the risk of interrupting the natural cycle and setting off depressive episodes of bipolar. Furthermore, irregular circadian rhythms and, therefore, irregular sleeping patterns are thought to contribute to episodes of both mania and depression.

And what does alcohol do to someone with bipolar?

A simple answer would be that it makes them feel worse. Alcohol or illicit substance consumption amplifies both symptoms of manic and depressive episodes. To someone going through a manic episode and therefore feeling impulsive and irritable, alcohol can be what pushes them over the edge and puts them in risky situations. Alcohol can also lead to what is known as a bipolar crash and contribute to depressive episodes.

Understanding a Bipolar Crash and Its Impact

A bipolar crash can be defined as an abrupt drop from a manic episode into a depressive episode. While some people can have a type of bipolar characterized only by regular depressive episodes, some have episodes of mania or hypomania as well. In the second case, transitions between episodes can be gradual, and some people experience bipolar crashes. Alcohol and other substances can contribute to the severity of a bipolar crash and increase the likelihood of it taking place.

A bipolar crash manifests in intense negative emotions, issues with concentrating and remembering, disrupted sleeping patterns, or disrupted appetite. It is not unusual for people who experience bipolar crashes to feel shame or guilt about their behavior during a manic episode. 

Long-Term Consequences of Mixing Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol

Alcoholism has numerous long-term consequences, and some undoubtedly impact the clinical image of bipolar disorder. Continuous and chronic use of alcohol will likely result in brain damage and chronic brain chemical imbalance. This, in turn, can impact manifestations of bipolar disorder lifelong as well. Episodes a person with bipolar disorder experiences are likely to become more severe and more difficult to manage, as reactivity to medicine can change. 

Managing Triggers and Reducing the Urge to Drink

If you’re dealing with bipolar disorder and feel the urge to consume alcohol, you might want to implement one of the strategies for managing your triggers and reducing said urge. There are several things you may do:

• Identifying triggers that lead to alcohol use. Recognizing personal triggers for drinking requires taking a step back once you feel the urge to drink. Think about what made you upset or want to escape the presence. That might be an issue at work, a stressful event, or a social situation. Think of how any of these events made you feel and what you were aiming to achieve by consuming alcohol. This gives you a solid start for managing your drinking behavior and replacing it with a more functional one.
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms. Once you realize that drinking is just a form of maladaptive coping mechanism, you will want to switch it up with a healthy one. You can implement many simple techniques daily, including physical activities, mindfulness, journaling, or creative outlets. One of the ways to develop creative outlets, for example, is through music therapy for substance abuse.
• Building a strong support network. Having a solid support network when dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues is undoubtedly one of the biggest assets. Your friends and family, as well as people who share your experience that you meet in group therapies and support groups, can be a strong stimulant to adhere to your treatment. They can also serve as an inspiration and provide positive peer pressure, pushing you towards healthy and positive behaviors that aid your recovery rather than slowing it down. A supportive social circle will also make it easier to socialize without alcohol.

Seeking Help Through Recovery Centers and Accessible Therapy Solutions

Probably the most important strategy for managing both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder is seeking professional help. Today, there are various options provided by inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers in PA  that can ensure treatment plans and support you on your journey to recovery. 

Little Creek alcohol rehab center in Reading PA has various programs and customizable solutions that offer structured support, therapy, and guidance. Our programs are not only individualized and of the highest quality but also affordable. We are part of in-network providers for many insurance companies. Therefore, with insurance such as Cigna rehab coverage, you can count on your rehab process to be fully or partially covered.

We at Little Creek tailor treatments based on client’s needs, circumstances, and preferences. Our holistic approaches aim to support the body, mind, and spirit. Our professional staff helps you develop healthy mechanisms, skills, and mindsets that support lifelong well-being. While in our alcohol rehab Newburgh NY, you can count on continuous assessment, monitoring, and support. 

Even after leaving our facilities, you can rely on us. Our teletherapy service can assist you whenever you need it, and our therapists can be your valuable resource in times of crisis. The aftercare plans we develop for you at the end of your rehab ensure long-lasting support and continuous work towards successful management of mental health issues like BD and substance abuse problems.

Benefits of Evidence-Based Therapies for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Keep in mind that struggling with both bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse disorder at the same time means you are dealing with a dual diagnosis and, therefore, require specialized treatment that includes simultaneous addressing of both conditions. Effective therapies for BD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) should be evidence-based. According to science and practice, the best results are achieved by combining cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectic behavioral therapy alongside complementary treatment methods.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works on identifying and analyzing dysfunctional beliefs and thinking patterns that lead to maladaptive behavior, such as alcohol abuse or impulsive behaviors In certain episodes of BD. Your therapist then helps you reframe your thoughts to lead you to functional and adaptive behavior, ensuring life satisfaction and well-being.
• Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) helps develop a non-black-and-white mindset. It helps find a fine balance between acceptance and change and teaches that change need not be the opposite of current behavior. With DBT, you learn to let go of things you cannot control and take control over things you can.
• Finally, complementary methods, like mindfulness, also find significant research support and are proven to help in stress management, reducing triggers for episodes of BD or drinking as a coping mechanism for stress. 

All these approaches to treating BD and AUD ensure lifelong solutions. They help with mental health management and allow for relapse prevention. Furthermore, they help acquire skills and learn techniques for many purposes other than managing your dual diagnosis.

Practical Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder Without Alcohol

Turning to professionals will provide you with stable and long-lasting solutions. However, you can also implement some practical changes to support yourself. Try incorporating one or more of the following:

• Daily routine. As mentioned earlier, having a daily routine can help manage bipolar symptoms and reduce alcohol cravings. A well-established daily routine gives you a sense of self-efficacy, contributing to stronger self-control.
• Self-care. Self-care practices and mindfulness techniques support emotional health. Small indulgences, taking time for yourself, and staying connected with your environment can help you feel present and in control. They also remind you that you are important and need to take care of yourself.
• Mood monitoring. Track your mood shifts to identify what triggers them and makes you want to engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms. Keeping a mood journal can also help professionals who work with you to develop your coping skills and mechanisms.

Final Words on Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Connection

Struggling with the dual diagnosis is rather complex. Arguably, it is even more difficult in cases of bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder due to the vicious circle that easily forms between them. If you’re having doubts about the meaning and causes of your behavior, reach out to professionals. They will provide a thorough evaluation and suggestions on courses of treatment.

Contact Little Creek Recovery today to learn about our individualized solutions, which are sure to answer your specific needs. We are a reliable partner for your recovery journey.