There are a number of options available for the treatment of concurrent bi-polar disorder and addiction, and therapeutic options include outpatient substance abuse treatment combined with psychiatric monitoring and prescribed medication, treatment in a rehabilitation center, with an appropriate awareness and modification of treatment for the concurrent disorder; or treatment in a mental health facility, with an appropriate modification to include the treatment of the substance abuse.
The relative severity of the concurrent problems will determine which option is most appropriate. Bi-polar suffers with serious dependencies and controllable symptoms will likely benefit from a rehabilitation center, while those with serious symptoms, and less serious addictions, may require mental health hospitalization.
That treatment occurs at all is of course the most important thing. The longer substance abuse is allowed to compound and exacerbate the symptoms of bi-polar disorder, the more difficult the ultimate treatment will be, and the greater the probability of an unfortunate ending.
Bi-Polar Addictions
The treatment of a bi-polar addiction is complicated but of paramount importance, and family should feel compelled to intervene should they suspect an undiagnosed bi-polar condition, non compliance of prescribed medication regimens, or the abuse of alcohol or drugs with a bi-polar diagnosis.
page last update Aug 05, 2010
