Is a Florida drug rehabilitation program able to treat bipolar disorder? The answer is both yes and no. If you have a problem with both substance abuse and bipolar disorder, then yes, there are drug rehabs in Florida who can help you. This situation is called a dual diagnosis. It’s rather common. Many, if not most, drug abusers also have some type of mental disorder. This does not mean they are psychotic. It just means that there is some type of problem with their brain function. This could be depression, for example. Many drug abusers are trying to self-medicate their disturbing symptoms. However, drug abuse just makes the symptoms of their mental disorder worse. The worse they feel, the more inclined they are to escalate their drug use. It’s a vicious cycle.
Dual Diagnosis
There are a number of Florida drug rehabs who specialize in treating clients with a dual diagnosis. You will get treatment for the mental disorder, the substance abuse and the psychological problems and trauma that likely caused the substance abuse in the first place. Some mental disorders, such as depression, may also have a partial cause in a past trauma. However, if you have only bipolar disorder and not a problem with substance abuse, then you probably would get more suitable treatment from a medical specialist in psychiatry or internal medicine.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder was once referred to as manic depression. People with this condition will experience wild mood swings from feeling highly energetic and euphoric to feeling extremely depressed. Sometimes, people get so depressed from the low mood swing of bipolar disorder that they become suicidal.
There are several types of bipolar disorder. It’s a complicated disease that can affect every aspect of your life. The cause of this condition is not clear, but there may be physical changes in the brain. It also appears to have a genetic component. You are more likely to be bipolar if a close relative also has the disease. Other risk factors include a traumatic event and alcohol and drug abuse.
It’s not uncommon for the following conditions to also be present in those with bipolar disorder:
- Anxiety Disorder
- Eating Disorder
- Heart disease, obesity and thyroid problems
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A common medication used to treat bipolar disorder is called lithium, which acts as a mood stabilizer. Antidepressants help alleviate possible symptoms of depression. These can occur during the low mood swing phase of the disease. Medication is usually combined with some type of psychotherapy.
Symptoms of the manic, or high, phase of this condition include racing thoughts, agitation, euphoria, insomnia, inability to concentrate, and being overly talkative. The low phase can include symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, feeling hopelessness, sleeping too much, and feeling suicidal. Bipolar disorder is a complicated disease in itself. When it’s combined with substance abuse, precise treatment is required.
This is why some Florida drug rehabs offer dual diagnosis treatment. As part of your dual diagnosis treatment, both your bipolar condition and your substance abuse will be addressed at the same time. One condition does not exist in a vacuum without the other. You cannot properly treat one without treating the other.
If you do, both conditions will persist. You will also be evaluated for other conditions that may be affecting your health and the way you feel. Both anxiety and depression can be effectively treated with medication and therapy. If you have a physical issue, such as thyroid malfunction, that can be treated, too.
Florida drug rehabs that offer dual diagnosis treatment have physicians on staff who are experienced in both addiction medicine and the management of a dual diagnosis. They can help you the most if you are honest with them. Tell them everything that is bothering you. They won’t be shocked or judgmental, and anything you tell them is confidential. In fact, medical information is protected under federal law.
Help is Available
If you think or know you have a mental disorder and you also have a problem with substance abuse, you will need specialized help to get your life back on track. If you’re ready to seek the help you need, we are here to assist you. Our group of trained counselors will listen to your problems and help you to get the right kind of help for you. You may call us at any hour of the day or night at 844-639-8371. Let us help you start on the right path for a brighter future.