Addiction and Bipolar Disorder are known to be strongly linked. 60% of people with bipolar have a history of substance abuse. We understand that bipolar is a very challenging disorder to live with. When a patient is in the grips of an exhilarating high, they may find themselves sleepless, with thoughts spilling from their mind like a broken faucet. During this time, patients may turn to the dream-like properties of opioids for relief. Similarly, when the cycle has switched to depression, sufferers may turn to drinking to numb themselves. It is for this reason alcoholism is the main substance of abuse for those suffering from bipolar disorder. When a person with bipolar craves energy, “uppers” such as methamphetamine might be turned to help them feel able to function, only to send them spiraling into a lonely addiction.
At Olympia Health, our talented and compassionate staff will work with a combination of psychological tests, check-ups, and mood charts to help you find the right medication-assisted treatment (MAT).