Depending on which drugs you take for bipolar disorder, alcohol may interfere with their ability to work correctly. If you take lithium for mood stabilization, there is a risk of developing toxic levels of the drug in your body. The risk of toxic lithium levels is higher if you drink too much, as alcohol causes dehydration. Not everyone with this condition will be suicidal, but it is a real risk. Those with both bipolar and a substance use disorder are more likely to commit suicide.
Three percent fulfilled criteria for alcohol dependence and 1.8% for abuse (4). In a prior survey, looking at lifetime prevalence rate, the same group reports on similar numbers for BD, and 9.9 and 8.5% for alcohol abuse and dependence, respectively (5). These numbers are in a similar range as in other European countries; while prevalence rates from the US are much higher, both for BD and substance abuse/dependence (6). Whereas numbers for legal substances, e.g., alcohol, are considered as relatively robust and reproducible, many cases of illicit drug use remain undetected in patients with BD. Cannabis is likely to be second after alcohol as substance of abuse in BD patients, affecting approximately one quarter of bipolar patients (7).
Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use
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. The evidence for Assertive community treatment (AST) that has been examined in two RCTs is inconclusive, with one study showing a reduction of alcohol use, the other not when compared to standard clinical case management. Both studies included also patients with other major mental health disorders, such as MDD and schizophrenia; thus, both do not supply information exclusively about changes in the course of BD (96, 97).
- The co-morbidity of BD in AUD is also high (Kessler et al., 1997; Frye and Salloum, 2006).
- This high rate of comorbidity suggests a strong link between the two conditions, raising questions about the nature of their relationship and the underlying mechanisms at play.
- The future development of novel therapies relies upon increased psychiatric and medical awareness of the co-morbidity, and further research into novel therapies for the comorbid group.
You also must have experienced one how does flakka affect your brain or more hypomanic episodes lasting for at least 4 days. To receive a diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder, you must have experienced at least one episode of mania. This episode may precede or follow an episode of depression, but isn’t necessary.
If you have bipolar disorder, AUD, or both, talk to your doctor about treatment options that will work for you. In the United States, about 4.4 percent of adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A bipolar diagnosis is described as type 1 or 2, depending on the severity of symptoms. Combining alcohol with mood stabilizers is not recommended, as the interactions can cause increased drowsiness, memory issues, impaired judgment, or liver problems. For example, some people may develop bipolar disorder first, while in others, AUD may appear first.
The short answer is yes, alcohol can significantly exacerbate bipolar symptoms and interfere with treatment efficacy. It’s important to be aware of this connection if you struggle with bipolar disorder. It may be tempting to drink in order to manage symptoms and mood changes, but the risks are high.
How are alcohol use and bipolar disorder treated and managed?
Some theorize that when AUD appears first, it can trigger bipolar disorder. Others have suggested that bipolar and AUD may share genetic risk factors. By Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHCDexter has a doctorate in psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor with a focus on suicidal ideation, self-harm, and mood disorders.
Alcohol and Bipolar Disorder: The Risks and Consequences
People with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder should work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best medication regimen to manage symptoms. Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder (also called alcoholism and alcohol addiction) frequently occur together. It is estimated that 40% to 70% of individuals with bipolar disorder will be diagnosed with AUD during their lifetimes. Although the connection between these two disorders isn’t entirely clear, some what is whippits factors seem to contribute. Sometimes what seems to be bipolar disorder might really be another disorder.
Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. Treatment for these conditions will depend on several factors and may include inpatient or outpatient programs. Impulsivity (not thinking before acting) and engaging in risky situations that may lead to painful consequences can accompany mania. 5 rules of recovery Medications for anxiety, antidepressants, anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may interact with alcohol. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and bipolar disorder often occur together, and when they do, they can exacerbate each other. A controlled study with topiramate in BD + AUD failed due to slow recruitment (114).
BD is a highly genetic disorder, with a family history in about 80% of patients. Valproic acid is a CNS depressant that can have similar effects to alcohol. Using both at the same time can increase the effect, with potentially serious consequences.
In someone who has bipolar disorder, drinking can increase symptoms of mood shifts. However, it may also be difficult to control the impulse to drink during shifts in mood. There isn’t much research that describes how to best combine treatment for bipolar disorder and AUD, but emerging recommendations from studies are available. On the other hand, people who receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder first are more likely to have difficulty with the symptoms of AUD.
Conversely, having bipolar disorder may make you more likely to have an alcohol use disorder. If you’ve lost control over your drinking or you misuse drugs, get help before your problems get worse and are harder to treat. Seeing a mental health professional right away is very important if you also have symptoms of bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. Bipolar disorder is defined by mood episodes that fluctuate between highs and lows. When coupled with alcohol use disorder, symptoms of either condition may worsen. There are a variety of treatment options, including talk therapy and medication, to treat these conditions separately or as they co-occur.