Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Young Adults at Alpha Behavioral Health

Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Young Adults at Alpha Behavioral Health

It’s estimated that 4.4% of U.S. adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. This condition is chronic, meaning that it cannot be cured like an illness. However, with the right treatment for bipolar disorder, people can and do live successful and meaningful lives in recovery. The difference is, of course, access to treatment, support, and coping skills designed to aid those with bipolar disorder. That’s why at Alpha Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive and compassionate treatment for bipolar disorder in young adults. 

Addiction strongly co-occurs with bipolar disorder, necessitating the need for dual diagnosis treatment for affected young adults. Alpha Behavioral Health meets this need with custom-tailored addiction and dual-diagnosis treatment programs. Before one can know what treatments a potential client can expect at Alpha Behavioral Health, we must first understand what bipolar disorder is and why it is linked so strongly with addiction.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It’s marked by episodes of high moods (mania and hypomania) and low moods (depression). Manic episodes typically involve erratic, extremely active, and risky behavior. Hypomanic episodes are considered to be less severe than manic episodes but can still be serious. Episodes of depression can make it difficult to participate in life and may come with suicidal ideation or thoughts. 

These episodes can vary in length depending on the type of bipolar disorder a person has. There are three main types of bipolar disorder that a person can be diagnosed with. These are:

  • Bipolar I disorder: Considered the most severe form of bipolar disorder, this type involves at least one episode of mania that can be extreme and dangerous. Though not required for a diagnosis, major depressive episodes may also be experienced. Those with bipolar I may require hospitalization at some point in their lives.
  • Bipolar II disorder: This type of bipolar disorder always has depressive episodes with occasional hypomania. Bipolar type II can sometimes develop into bipolar type I.
  • Cyclothymic disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this type of bipolar disorder has less severe highs and lows compared to bipolar I and II with shorter episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia can develop into bipolar I or II.

There is also a classification of bipolar disorder for people who may rapidly shift between episodes or experience mixed affective states. Because bipolar disorder can vary in its symptoms between individuals, diagnosing the condition can be tricky. 

It’s currently unknown what causes bipolar disorder. Researchers believe that genetics, brain structure, environment, and lifestyle factors can put someone at risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Understanding the Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

There is a clear link between addiction and bipolar disorder in young adults. Substance abuse is believed to be one of the factors that can cause the development of bipolar disorder. However, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can often push some into abusing substances as a form of self-medication. Manic and hypomanic episodes frequently cause people to engage in risky behavior, one of which can be substance abuse to either keep the “high” going or to try and stabilize themselves.

Continued substance use and abuse can and will lead to addiction. 

Identifying the Signs and Behaviors of Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s important to be aware of not just the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder but addiction as well. Episodes of elevated and low moods characterize bipolar disorder. Being aware of the difference between these two states can help determine if the individual is struggling with bipolar disorder or symptoms of an addictive substance. 

Mania and hypomania feature symptoms such as:

  • Feelings of intense elation, euphoria, irritability, silliness, and power 
  • Experiencing a reduced need for sleep or desire for food 
  • Being touchy or jumpy
  • Quick, erratic movements and talking quickly 
  • Feeling like they can accomplish several important tasks at once
  • Racing thoughts
  • Engaging in risky behavior, such as stunts or engaging in substance use 

Depression features symptoms such as:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness 
  • Suicidal thoughts or ideation 
  • Reduced ability to concentrate, remember, and carry out simple tasks
  • Problems sleeping or eating
  • Feeling slow or restless 
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 
  • Inability to feel pleasure

The symptoms of substance abuse and addiction can be similar to bipolar disorder. This is mostly tied to physical symptoms as a result of using a drug, such as feeling slow (alcohol) or feeling restless (stimulants). A mental health care professional can untangle these symptoms and determine if it’s the result of one disorder or a combination of both. Some other signs and symptoms of substance use and addiction are:

  • Changes in personality, such as lying more, losing interest in activities they once loved, or ditching old friends for new ones 
  • Having difficulties in productivity or attendance at work, school, or home 
  • Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns 
  • Getting into trouble with the law, such as breaking curfews, public intoxication, or driving while under the influence of substances
  • Displaying physical symptoms such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, physical deterioration, sudden weight loss or gain, and impaired coordination
  • Being anxious or paranoid for seemingly no reason 
  • Sudden mood swings
  • Lack of motivation 

Experiencing any of these signs can denote a serious problem, not just for bipolar disorder or addiction. Seeking treatment and advice from a mental health care professional is the first step to recovery.

The Benefits of Using Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition and, as such, requires a long-term approach to treatment. Combining evidence-based and holistic therapies offers the well-rounded treatment needed for lasting recovery.

Comprehensive Approach

Like all mental health disorders, bipolar disorder can impact the spirit and the body, not just the mind. It’s important to be aware of the toll mental health disorders take on the whole of the person and offer treatment accordingly. Bipolar disorder treatment requires a combination of medication management, psychotherapies, holistic modalities, coping skill training, and other clinical applications as needed. A comprehensive approach allows for total healing, leaving no need to be ignored. 

Addressing the Root Causes of Mental Health and Addiction Disorders

It’s unknown what the true cause of bipolar disorder is, but many suspects, such as genetics, are beyond an individual’s control. However, it’s possible to address factors, such as improving a person’s living environment or relationships with others, that can make a big difference in mental health. Addiction is often the result of a person trying to reduce the physical, mental, or emotional pain they feel. Addressing issues such as chronic pain and underlying trauma minimizes the need to self-medicate and thus removes the main urge to abuse substances.

Incorporating a Combination of Techniques

Bipolar and addiction treatment aren’t always clinical. Several techniques can be utilized to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Mindfulness is one major technique used for recovery, as it helps clients exist in the now instead of being trapped in a painful past. Yoga, meditation, diet changes, and exercise routines are all common techniques used to enhance treatment and provide useful tools to use post-treatment. Though not every treatment center will offer these techniques, they are becoming prevalent enough to be integrated into most treatment plans. 

Art and Experiential Modalities

Sometimes, moving your body and doing something productive can have a positive effect on your mental health. Mental health treatment plans now usually involve modalities that encourage clients to get out of their comfort zone and express themselves. Art therapy, therapeutic recreation, and others are utilized as a means of promoting self-expression and communication. Like the techniques above, these modalities offer clients an avenue of expression and joy post-treatment. 

Finding Care for Bipolar Disorder at Alpha Behavioral Health

Here at Alpha Behavioral Health, we offer quality and compassionate outpatient treatment for teens and young adults struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction. Treatment for bipolar disorder in young adults is not like how it is portrayed in popular media. Clients here are not prisoners, nor can they expect to be talked down to or mistreated; the goal is to provide compassionate and respectful quality treatment for teens and young adults, giving them the skills they need to have a head start in adulthood. Young adults struggling with bipolar disorder can find a combination of clinical treatments and holistic modalities at Alpha Behavioral Health.

Evidence-Based Therapies

We offer several evidence-based clinical therapies, such as:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

Our holistic treatment therapies are also evidence-based, which includes art and experiential modalities and mindfulness-based approaches,

Expeditions and Activities

Clients at Alpha Behavioral Health rarely stay inside all day. Alpha Behavioral Health utilizes the power of nature to promote healing and build strong bonds with fellow peers. Clients may participate in therapeutic activities and trips such as:

  • Hiking
  • Paintball and wake-boarding
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Skiing and snowboarding

Alpha Launch Program

The Alpha Launch Program is a specially designed program that offers services and case management for teens and young adults transitioning into new life experiences. This includes academic and social support, life skills development, career coaching, and more. Clients in the Alpha Launch Program can continue to receive individual counseling, which helps them adjust to normal life and prevent relapse. 

Building Support Systems for Sustainable Healing

Support systems are crucial to the recovery process, especially for isolating disorders such as bipolar disorder and addiction. To address this need, Alpha Behavioral Health works with clients to sharpen communication skills, connect with others, and accept support from others.

Connecting With Peer Support Groups and Communities

Alpha Behavioral Health has two main avenues for promoting peer support groups and communities. The Clubhouse is tied to the Alpha Launch Program and is a place for recovering teens and young adults to spend time with each other in a fun, supportive, and sober environment. For young men, the Alpha transitional living program provides an immersive aftercare experience that has wide-reaching and supportive community involvement. 

Strengthening Relationships With Loved Ones

Utilizing therapies such as family therapy creates an environment that helps families accomplish several goals. These include:

  • Fostering understanding between family members
  • Working through past hurts or trauma
  • Listening skills 
  • Creating a supportive environment at home for recovery
  • Teaching family members how to communicate with each other

All of which promotes healing and strengthens familial bonds. 

Creating a Personalized Healing Plan With Alpha Behavioral Health

No two individuals are alike, so their treatment plans shouldn’t be either. Each treatment plan at Alpha Behavioral Health is crafted with the needs of the individual in mind, ensuring complete and total healing. As a collaborative process, our staff works closely with our clients to make sure all their goals and needs are being cared for. If you’d like to learn more about our personalized treatment plans, contact Alpha Behavioral Health today. 

Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. To learn more about bipolar disorder and addiction treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health in Austin, TX, call (833) 257-4218 today.