It’s not uncommon for people with mental health disorders to also struggle with a mental health disorder. These co-occurring disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis, are actually quite common. However, not everyone with a diagnosed mental health disorder and a substance use disorder gets the help that they need. Additionally, many more people go undiagnosed. Bipolar disorder is no exception, and when combined with addiction, treatment requires the aid of a dual diagnosis treatment center. With the proper Florida mental health treatment programs, those suffering from co-occurring disorders have a greater likelihood of long-term healing through a bipolar disorder treatment program.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is categorized as a mood disorder because it drastically affects your mood. The mood swings of a person with bipolar disorder go from extreme highs, called the manic phase, to extreme lows, called the depressive phase. The high phase is also referred to as mania or hypomania and the low phase is called major depression.
The bipolar mood swings are not the “good mood” and “bad mood” that people typically experience with changing life situations. Instead, these mood swings have the capability of crippling your life because of their severity.
Many people with bipolar disorder do not get a proper diagnosis the first time because other conditions may mask the disorder or co-occur with it. Mental health treatment and therapy can help control these symptoms, so you can focus on strategies for long-term healing.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
As noted above, bipolar is characterized by highs and lows. Here are the symptoms of each:
The manic phase is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Excessive talkativeness
- Extreme self-confidence
- Feelings of euphoria and well-being
- Not needing much sleep and having extreme energy
- Unusually upbeat and jumpy or wired, and easily distracted from one project to another
- Feeling as if you can accomplish “great” things (an exaggerated sense of strength)
The depressive phase is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Significant depression
- Sleep irregularities, which may include insomnia or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy and extreme fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Low self-esteem, and thoughts or attempts of suicide
- Restless or lethargic
The Connection Between Bipolar and Addiction
Many people with mental health disorders turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve their symptoms. This is particularly true with bipolar disorder. Treating an individual with both bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder often requires finding an addiction rehab and treatment facility that offers dual diagnosis treatment. With this in mind, you can find a facility that will meet all of your needs.
Drugs and alcohol numb the emotions making the manic phase not as drastic and the depressive phase not as severe. This type of self-medication can be dangerous and can lead to addiction. People with bipolar disorder may also be more likely to engage in risky when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, increasing their risk for addiction.
If you are struggling with both bipolar disorder and substance abuse, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Dual diagnosis treatment can provide the specialized care people need to overcome the two disorders and begin a new, healthier life.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis refers to a person having a mental health disorder and substance abuse disorder simultaneously. As noted above, this is a common occurrence. Obtaining dual diagnosis treatment is vital to health. If you only treat one condition, then you won’t get comprehensive treatment, because you’ll continue to have symptoms of the untreated condition. For example, if someone with bipolar disorder and substance abuse disorder just goes through detox and completes rehab, but doesn’t receive a diagnosis or treatment for bipolar disorder, then in time he or she will have an increased risk of relapse. Dual diagnosis treatment is essential in providing comprehensive care.
The purpose of dual diagnosis treatment is to provide coordinated, integrated, and seamless care for the person. This includes treating both mental health disorders and substance use disorders at the same time. It also involves addressing any physical, psychological, social, or spiritual issues related to the two conditions as well. The goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes, such as improved mental health, increased stability, and decreased risk of relapse.
Finding a Bipolar Disorder Treatment Program in Tampa, Florida
At a bipolar treatment center in Tampa, FL, you can begin the journey to health and happiness. At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we specialize in dual diagnosis ensuring you receive a thorough treatment plan. Our award-winning, recognized facility provides a premier place to receive the treatment you deserve. Some of the programs we offer include:
- Medical Drug and Alcohol Detox
- Day-night Drug Rehab
- Intensive Outpatient Drug Rehab
- Young Adult Addiction Services
- Family Counseling and Addiction Services
Don’t wait until mental health issues steal your life. A bipolar disorder treatment program can help you discover healing and happiness. You can overcome these issues by going to a quality bipolar treatment center in Tampa, FL, like BoardPrep Recovery. Contact us at 866.796.4720 or use our online form, and we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.