For people struggling with bipolar disorder, every day seems to become a white-knuckle ride. With unpredictable mood swings and shifts in energy, bipolar disorder is a nightmare to experience. While quality mental health treatment is available, many bipolar sufferers turn to substances to cope with their feelings. While people do feel a sense of short-term relief, substances end up doing more harm than good. Without the root cause being addressed, those with bipolar continue to suffer and they develop a co-occurring substance abuse issue.

We will explore bipolar disorder and addiction, the signs of bipolar disorder, and why those dealing with bipolar turn to drugs and alcohol. If you or a loved one are struggling with the co-occurring disorders of bipolar disorder and addiction, contact My Recovery Source toll-free today. My Recovery Source provides free nationwide assistance to those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Our dedicated staff will work with you in finding the right treatment program that will help you find lasting recovery.

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a form of mental illness that causes unpredictable and unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, concentration, and level of activity. People with bipolar disorder will cycle between periods of mania where they are extremely energetic and happy and depressive periods where they feel sad, hopeless, and “flat”. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists three major types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Depressive episodes occur as well and typically last 2 weeks.
• Bipolar II Disorder presents episodes and hypomanic episodes that are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
• Cyclothymic Disorder is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

People who experience bipolar disorder can cycle between manic and depressive episodes in a matter of days, weeks, or even months.

What Is The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Drug Addiction?

For people who experience bipolar disorder, the tug-of-war of moods, emotions, and energy can be too much to bear daily. While there are an increasing number of treatment programs that can help them better manage their symptoms, many will often turn to substances to cope. Bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction seemingly go hand in hand in the fact that alcohol (and other substances) helps numb feelings and helps people cope with what they experience.

While drugs and alcohol provide relief, it is a temporary solution at best. Without addressing the root cause of bipolar disorder, their condition will only grow worse over time. Additionally, the use of substances will increase over time in the absence of healthy coping skills. As a result, they are likely to develop a substance abuse issue along with their bipolar disorder. This results in a condition known as dual diagnosis which is very difficult to treat and requires specialized treatment.

Solutions in Treatment Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

To effectively treat bipolar disorder and addiction, people must undergo treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment facility. Dual diagnosis treatment is a dynamic fusion of mental health and addiction treatment services under one roof. Addiction treatment and mental health professionals work side by side to create comprehensive treatment programs that complement each other and adequately address both issues. Many dual diagnosis treatment programs feature the following components:

• Detox
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Medication management (MAT programs)
• Emotion management
• Holistic therapies such as art therapy, animal therapy, and music therapy
• 12-step programs
• Relapse prevention
• Aftercare programs including continuing counseling and therapy.

To fully address a client’s bipolar disorder and addiction issues, they should undergo intensive residential treatment at the facility itself. In this safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, clients have the time and space to work through their issues. While many dual diagnosis programs run for 30 days, it is recommended that clients seek longer stays of 60 days, 90 days, or even longer.

Are You In Need of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

The search for the best dual diagnosis treatment program can be difficult and full of anxiety. You may not know what to look for, and you may not know where to turn if you have questions or concerns. Fortunately, the dedicated team at My Recovery Source can help! We will work with you to find the treatment options that best fit your needs. My Recovery Source will also help you find all available payment options that will help you pay for treatment and give you peace of mind.

Don’t wait another day to address your dual diagnosis; call My Recovery Source right now and take charge of your health and life.

To achieve long-term recovery from substance abuse, you need to focus on maintaining your physical, mental, and psychological well-being. In addition to ongoing drug treatment, support group help, and regular exercise, you also need to focus on eating a balanced diet. Proper nutrition in recovery is important in helping you look and feel your best, it provides your brain with the essential nutrients it needs for optimal functioning and helps reduce the cravings that can lead to relapse.

In this article, you will learn the importance of proper nutrition in recovery. You will also learn what foods to eat during alcohol detox and what foods to avoid for the proper addiction recovery diet. Are you looking to address and overcome your substance abuse issues but don’t know where to start your search? My Recovery Source is the leading online directory for top-tier rehabs throughout the country. Our dedicated staff will help you find the perfect rehab that meets your unique needs. Call My Recovery Source today and find the best drug rehabs near you.

The Importance of Diet in Addiction Recovery

Having proper nutrition for recovery is vital in regaining your health. When you were actively using drugs and alcohol, you were not eating properly and were not getting the right nutrients. As a result, you are in poor health and experience malnourishment, which depletes the immune system and leaves you vulnerable to illness. Adopting good nutrition for recovery helps restore both the body and brain. Proper nutrition also helps boost the immune system, helps promote mental well-being, and gives you clean and sustainable energy to power your day.

What Foods Should You Eat For Proper Nutrition in Recovery?

When you are finding what foods to eat during alcohol detox, you need to focus on nutrient-rich foods that are low in calories and high in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods helps regulate your mood, avoid blood sugar spikes, and help regulate your mood. If you were in drug treatment, you more than likely received tips and advice from a nutritionist at the facility.

Finding the right balance of foods can take quite a bit of trial and error so don’t get discouraged or give up. The following foods should help you get on the right track:

• Poultry and fish are rich in the amino acid tyrosine, which aids in the production of norepinephrine and dopamine, which are the brain’s natural “feel good” chemicals.
• Yogurt is full of probiotics, which is essential for digestive tract health.
• Bananas contain tryptophan, which aids in serotonin levels and helps you get restful sleep.
• Vegetables contain a wide spectrum of vitamins and nutrients that improve skin and hair health and help restore regular bodily functioning.
• Whole grain pasta helps restore digestive health that was ruined due to substance abuse.
• If you sustained liver damage as a result of addiction, tofu may be a good food for you to try. Tofu is a great protein source that is easily digested and easy on the liver.

What Are the Foods You Should Avoid?

When you are in recovery, there are foods that you should avoid. These “avoid” food types are low in nutritional value and do nothing to restore the body. The following are common foods you should greatly limit or avoid altogether in recovery:

• Sugar (especially sugar types such as sucrose, glucose, and dextrose) has no nutritional value and it depletes the body of vitamins and minerals. If you desire something sweet, go for items with raw cane sugar, honey, and molasses.
• Caffeine does provide the body with a nice jolt of energy, but it stimulates the adrenal glands and can leave you sluggish. Caffeine use also lowers immunity and depletes calcium in the body which can lead to osteoporosis.
• Additives and preservatives are made up of oversized molecules that clog the bloodstream and can damage the liver and other vital organs. Examples include aspartame and MSG.
• Junk and fast food have little to no nutritional value, are high in calories, and leave you tired and sluggish.

Lasting Recovery is Just a Phone Call Away

If you are struggling with addiction, you may be overwhelmed with all the available treatment options. You may not know what treatment programs are best for you, and you may not have insurance or are underinsured. Fortunately, the trusted professionals at My Recovery Source are in your corner. We are a leading online recovery resource, featuring a wide network of top-tier rehabs ready to help you address your substance abuse. We will work with you in finding the perfect rehab that meets your needs regardless of insurance.

Make a commitment to your health and life, and call My Recovery Source today.