Bipolar disorder and alcoholism often occur together. Up to half the people who have bipolar disorder also struggle with alcoholism. Although the association between bipolar disorder and alcoholism 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 alcoholism 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 alcoholism 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 alcoholism or another addiction is said to have a dual diagnosis. Treatment may require the expertise of mental health care providers who specialize in the treatment of dual disorders. If you've lost control over your drinking or you abuse drugs, get help before your problems become worse and harder to treat. Seeing a mental health expert right away is especially important if you also have signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. Alcoholism is a symptom of an underlying problem. Anyone can put down the drink but the majority of alcoholics pick up again after a short period of sobriety. Why? Perhaps they have a dual disorder and there are a number of alcoholics who have been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and Borderline Personality Disorder. Diagnosing Bipolar disorder is often not a straightforward matter. Many people go for 10 years or more before their illness is accurately diagnosed. Diagnosing BPD is equally difficult to diagnose because of the individual’s denial that they are the problem. The alcoholic believes that it is everyone else’s fault and that the world is out of step with them. It is important to note that everyone has mood swings from time to time. It is only when these mood swings become extreme and interferes with a person’s personal and professional life that Bipolar disorder may be indicated and medical assessment sought. Most alcoholics have no idea they have a dual disorder and continue to self-medicate until they are coerced into treatment through a drink-driving accident or domestic violence. It is the alcoholic’s inability to accept life on life’s terms that they continue to drown their sorrows in a sea of alcohol. Before I start counselling a new alcoholic patient, I need to assess their ability to absorb and retain what I am going to say to them. When it comes to feeling mentally and emotionally switched on, we have to have the correct brain chemistry – get it wrong and you will never achieve the feeling of wellbeing that you crave. Tyrosine Pure Mood Food is necessary for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy stable mood. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the sense of satisfaction – why do we drink? To feel satisfied. It is also the reward neurotransmitter – why do we drink? It rewards us and makes us feel better about life. To help the alcoholic relax I recommend Magnesium Complete as it will assist in the reduction of stress, nervous tension, anxiety and sleeplessness. I take Magnesium Ultra Potent because it suits me to use the powder format and to help prevent muscle cramps at night. L-Glutamine helps to remove ammonia from the bloodstream to lower levels of toxic ammonia that build up when liver dysfunction is present. A practicing alcoholic has a very inflamed liver and needs to detox and heal, if the body is to recover from alcoholism. L-Glutamine is the most amazing amino acid in the body! It is vital for healthy intestinal function and may help with inflammation of the intestinal tract. It is also vital for muscle growth and healthy muscle function. It also assists muscle recovery after exercise. I always put my patients on an exercise program to help heal their mind, body and spirit. L-Glutamine also supports efficient brain function. Livatone Plus is a powerful formula that can support liver function when there are more chronic liver problems. It is beneficial for a sluggish bile flow and gall bladder problems or if you have lost your gallbladder. It is beneficial in reducing abdominal bloating, burping and flatulence and provides extra antioxidant protection for the liver when required. Allergies are related to poor liver function which reduces the liver’s efficiency in cleansing the blood of toxins (such as antibodies and chemicals like alcohol.) Such toxins over stimulate the immune system causing it to pour out inflammatory chemicals. Read Dr. Cabot’s book The Liver Cleansing Diet. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.