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Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

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The Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Drug Addiction and Bipolar Disorder

No one knows the exactly why some develop bipolar disorder or what the connection is between it and drug addiction. Each case is different, exhibiting different causes or contributing factors like genetics, chemical imbalance and external factors. One thing that all who struggle with bipolar disorder and drug addiction have in common is this: a medical diagnosis and treatment for both issues simultaneously is necessary.

At The Canyon, we specialize in treating those in need of dual diagnosis treatment for drug addiction and co-occurring psychological disorders like bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder and Dual Diagnosis: Genetics

Like drug addiction, some who have bipolar disorder come by it via their genes. The closer the relation who shares either disorder, the more likely that you will develop one or both. This does not mean that if a family member has bipolar disorder or a history of drug and alcohol addiction that you will necessarily develop or carry the same traits. However, in the case of a genetic connection to either issue, your chances of developing them increase.

Bipolar Disorder and Dual Diagnosis: Chemical Imbalance

Chemical imbalance, whether or not genetic in nature, is the primary cause of bipolar disorder. If you are bipolar, you have an imbalance of a neurotransmitter or chemical called norepinephrine. Too much norepinephrine and you experience the mania associated with bipolar disorder. Too little norepinephrine and you experience the deep depression on the other side of bipolar disorder.

Another theory is that bipolar disorder results when your brain cells die prematurely, which causes you to lose control of your mood. Either way, the chemical imbalance in your brain means that your moods swing from high highs to low lows with little or no warning.

In an effort to balance out these mood swings, many try to self medicate with drugs and alcohol, a practice which quickly leads to drug addiction.

Bipolar Disorder and Dual Diagnosis: External Factors

Just like depression can be triggered by external stressors at work, home or in relationships, so too can a predisposition for bipolar disorder be triggered by these same events. Seasons, especially the cold, dark months of winter, may be a trigger, as can a viral infection, and severe emotional stress.

One of the biggest external factors that can trigger bipolar disorder is drug addiction, especially the use of stimulants like cocaine or crystal meth. The problem is that few people ever know why they develop bipolar disorder. But once it's been medically diagnosed and especially if you are addicted to drugs as well, it's important that you undergo a dual diagnosis treatment that can address both disorders simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we provide a dual diagnosis drug rehab that treats both drug and alcohol addiction and mental or psychological disorders like bipolar disorder. If you are struggling with both of these issues, you can stop the cycle. Contact us today at if you need more information about the nature of co-occurring disorders and the effectiveness of dual diagnosis treatment. At The Canyon, we can help.

Articles on Dual Diagnosis

• Bipolar Disorder and Treatment
• Drug Rehab for Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders
• The Impact of Prescription Drug Addiction and Depression
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Drug Detox
• How To Make Mental Health Treatment in Drug Rehab Work for You
• Treatment for Drug Addiction and Anxiety Disorders
• Dual Diagnosis in Drug Rehab for the Elderly
• Bulimia Treatment and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Anxiety Disorder Types in Drug Rehab
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addiction and Anorexia
• Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Dual Diagnosis
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Co-Occurring Disorder
• The Need for Mental Health Treatment: Drug Addiction and Depression
• Mental Health Treatment and Chinese Traditional Medicine
• Holistic Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addiction and Bulimia
• Alternative Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Anxiety Disorder and Depression
• Prescription Drug Rehab and Depression Treatment
• Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Helping a Family Member with Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Depression Symptoms and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Anorexia Treatment and Dual Diagnosis
• Drug Addiction Co-occurring With Depression
• Herbal Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
• The Need for Mental Health Treatment: Drug Addiction and Bipolar Disorder
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• The Importance of a Medical Diagnosis With Co-Occurring Disorders
• Women, Drug Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Co-Occurring Addictions and Alcoholism
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dual Diagnosis Drug Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis and Drug Rehab
• Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Co-Occurring Disorders
• Drug Rehab Uses Anti-Depressants to Treat Depression
• Painkiller Addiction and Depression
• ADD & Addiction
• Co-occurring Disorders and Healthcare Reform
• Suicide and Addiction
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Treating the Whole Person
• The Importance of Mental Health Screenings
• DBT Makes It About Mindfulness
• Bipolar Warning Signs
• Tragedy In Tucson
• Sexual Abuse and Addiction
• Bipolar and Addiction
• Charlie Sheen Story Not Funny
• What Is Integrated Treatment?
• Reality TV Risks to Those With Co-occurring Disorders
• Paulina Porizkova’s Battle With Anxiety