Dual diagnosis: bipolar and x,y,z....
 

It is common for those of us who are bipolar also suffer from another substance abuse, like drugs or alcohol or another addiction/affliction.
It could be internet/cell phone, TV, gambling/gaming, sexing etc.
This is called dual diagnosis.
It is really common from what I have heard.
Any thoughts?
bizi

It is extremely common. I forget the percentages.
Include me in that group because I am a recovering alcoholic.

Addictions can often mask bipolar symptoms because people are self-medicationg.
In AA and NA you encounter a very high percentage of people with bipolar disorder.
Many people have more than one addiction, and a lot of times when one addiction is cured/in recovery, another one replaces it.

My father is an alcoholic and gets himself into a lot of trouble gambling when he is manic. In the past, he had the habit of buying and selling houses and cars on whims during episodes, too.

that is big time compared to a measly pair of shoes. He must be very bright

Every house and car he has sold, he has sold at a loss because he has does it on impulse. And sometimes he wins big on blackjack, and sometimes he loses his shirt.

He is a very smart man, but he's very odd, and very messed up.

I am BP1 and have issues with
food
internet
alcohol
picking
sigh
bizi

Dual Diagnosis and Recovery - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance


What Is Dual Diagnosis? | Psychology Today

paychologytoday

thanks for the link Mari!
bizi