How to tell if a drug addict is bipolar People with bipolar disorder and drug addiction have overlapping symptoms. Bipolars have extreme and erratic mood swings which may also be observed in drug addicts. The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are classified into two:
Mania: A bipolar shows symptoms like excessive excitement, happiness, irritability and restlessness. Others have racing thoughts, sleeplessness, zeal for big and unattainable plans along with increased sex drive and energy. Depression: During the depressive phase, a bipolar lacks energy and wants to sleep more. He (or she) may show extreme sadness causing uncontrollable crying, poor decision-making skills, and appetite change that may lead to weight loss or gain. In some cases, a depressive bipolar may have thoughts of suicide or death. People with bipolar may also have feelings of worthlessness, guilt and hopelessness and they may lose interest on things which they used to consider enjoyable. They cannot concentrate; they are anxious, sluggish and irritable. A person with bipolar disorder may have symptoms of depression, mania and hypomania. Moods may swing erratically. A bipolar may stay in one mood for weeks and it may be followed by short cycles of mania and depression. Treatment most often includes a combination of psychotherapy and mood-stabilizing drugs to help patients to better cope with the condition. Bipolar treatment People with bipolar mania are usually treated with mood stabilizers and benzodiazepine, anticonvulsant (lithium). Antipsychotic drugs may be used to control manic symptoms such as irritability, hostility and hyperactivity. All these medications are used to regulate the moods without intensifying the manic episode. Co-occurring disorder treatment Counseling sessions are combinations of addiction counseling and bipolar management.
Our counselor knows how to differentiate among the addiction signs, side effects of drugs and bipolar symptoms. Your counselor shall monitor your symptoms and take prompt action to address any sign that your condition worsens. Our counselors remain calm and provide reassurance especially when exploring your feelings as well as low to provocative topics which proceed gradually as you become more at ease to talk about it. Coaching shall include the introduction and teaching of skills needed to participate in mutual self-help groups. These skills include emotional regulation, stress tolerance, reality acceptance and interpersonal skills which will help you relate to other people. We will provide you with a comprehensive and specifically-tailored treatment plans to help you learn to improve your emotions in a positive way. You will also develop the skills to recover from bipolar disorder and drug addiction. For more information about Bipolar-please refer this link: http://www.drugaddictsupport.com