Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, previously referred to as manic-depression, is a neurological condition that leads to abnormal variations in mood, energy, activity levels, and the capacity to carry out everyday tasks.
Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder partake in alcohol or drugs to self-medicate if their symptoms go untreated.
Similar to substance abuse, bipolar disorder poses a risk to the individual’s physical and emotional well-being.
- Periods of intense depression
- Episodes of heightened activity
- An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
- Moments of tremendous optimism and significant pessimism
- Grandiose feelings
- Rapid speech
- Little sleep
- Impaired judgment, irrational behavior
- Delusional behavior
- Hallucinations
- Hopeless feelings
- Loss of interest in things that used to make you happy
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Self-loathing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Higher rate of relationship problems
- Economic instability
- Accidental injuries
- Suicide
- More likely to develop addiction to drugs or alcohol
- About 56% if individuals with bipolar have experienced drug or alcohol addiction
- About 41% had abused drugs or were addicted to drugs
- Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among bipolar individuals
Treatment
In the past, bipolar disorder and chemical dependency were addressed as separate conditions and treated separately. At Ambrosia, we treat not only substance abuse and addiction but also the mental illness components. Our addiction professionals integrate individualized treatment plans for each client to treat the individual’s body, mind, and soul.
Bipolar treatment encompasses some different strategies, such as:
- Centralized care provided in a single rehabilitation facility
- A collaborative treatment team that includes psychologists, addiction counselors, and bipolar specialists
- Individual psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on managing emotions and minimizing the risk of substance abuse
- Support groups from others who are battling addiction and mood disorders
Testimonial
Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.
