Is there a connection between bipolar disorder and alcoholism?

Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.

Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, sometimes called alcoholism, often occur together. Although the association between bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder isn't clearly understood, these factors likely play a role:

  • Inherited traits. Genetic differences appear to affect brain chemistry linked to bipolar disorder. These same traits may also affect the way the brain responds to alcohol and other drugs, increasing the risk of alcohol use disorder and addiction to other drugs.
  • Depression and anxiety. Some people drink to ease depression, anxiety and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. Drinking may seem to help, but in the long run it makes symptoms worse. This can lead to more drinking — a vicious cycle that's difficult to overcome.
  • Mania. This upswing from depression is usually characterized by an intensely elated (euphoric) mood and hyperactivity. It commonly causes bad judgment and lowered inhibitions, which can lead to increased alcohol use or drug abuse.

Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder or other types of substance abuse can be a dangerous combination. Each can worsen the symptoms and severity of the other. Having both conditions increases the risk of mood swings, depression, violence and suicide.

Someone who has both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder or another addiction is said to have a dual diagnosis. Treatment may require the expertise of mental health professionals who specialize in the treatment of both disorders.

If you've lost control over your drinking or you misuse drugs, get help before your problems become worse and harder to treat. Seeing a mental health professional right away is especially important if you also have signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder or another mental health condition.

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April 04, 2019 See more Expert Answers

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  2. Are you thinking about suicide? How to stay safe and find treatment
  3. Bipolar disorder
  4. Bipolar in children
  5. Bipolar medications and weight gain
  6. Bipolar treatment: I vs. II
  7. Chase away the winter blues
  8. Cognitive behavioral therapy
  9. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  10. Family therapy
  11. Fatigue
  12. How opioid addiction occurs
  13. How to tell if a loved one is abusing opioids
  14. Huntington's disease
  15. Kratom for opioid withdrawal
  16. Meditation
  17. Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
  18. Prescription drug abuse
  19. Psychotherapy
  20. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  21. Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box
  22. Boosting self-esteem
  23. Sleep disorders
  24. Inheritance patterns
  25. Stress symptoms
  26. Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidal
  27. Suicide and suicidal thoughts
  28. Tapering off opioids: When and how
  29. Integrative approaches to treating pain
  30. Nutrition and pain
  31. Pain rehabilitation
  32. Self-care approaches to treating pain
  33. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  34. Urinalysis
  35. What are opioids and why are they dangerous?