People with hypomania have a 3.6 times higher risk of meeting diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. Learn more about the connection between hypomania and substance abuse.
It is not uncommon for hypomania and substance abuse to co-occur. In fact, a study in a 2013 publication of the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that people who experiencehypomaniaare 3.6 times more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, and they are 2.9 times more likely to meet criteria fordrug abuse or dependence.
Effects of Drug Use on Hypomania
Drug and alcohol use can make hypomania symptoms more severe. According to theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH), research shows that when individuals withbipolar disorder abuse substances, they are more likely to require hospitalizations.
Alcohol-induced hypomania is also a potential consequence, asresearchindicates that substance abuse is linked to rapid cycling of moods. TheNIHcautions that hypomania and alcohol may be a harmful combination, asalcohol usecan cause unstable moods.
Stimulant drugscan also be dangerous for individuals experiencing hypomania. Hypomania tends to involve symptoms like elevated mood and decreased sleep needs, which can be exacerbated by stimulant use. According to theNational Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulant drugs such ascocaine create a rush of dopaminein the brain and cause irritability, euphoria, increased alertness and heightened energy levels. Since stimulants and hypomania produce similar symptoms, stimulant abuse can worsen hypomanic episodes.
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Statistics on Hypomania and Addiction
Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that hypomania and addiction often co-occur. A study with over 40,000 participants revealed the following hypomania and addiction statistics:
- 27 percent of people who experienced hypomania in the previous year also experienced a substance use disorder of any type
- 24 percent of those with past-year hypomania also experienced an alcohol use disorder during the previous year
- 7 percent of people experiencing hypomania in the prior year also experienced a drug use disorder during that time
Hypomaniais a mood state associated with bipolar II disorder. Research on individuals with this diagnosis revealsadditional statisticsabout the relationship between hypomania and addiction:
- 13 percent of individuals with bipolar II disorder experiencealcohol abuse
- 13.8 percent of people with bipolar II disorder are dependent on alcohol
- Among those with bipolar disorder, 38.3 percent of males and 12.8 percent of females have an alcohol use disorder
Can Hypomania Lead to Substance Abuse?
While hypomania does not directly cause substance abuse, it can increase the risk of substance abuse. For example, scientists from theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismreport that alcohol abuse can be a complication associated with bipolar disorder.
Some researchalso suggests that alcohol may be a form of self-medication for mood symptoms of bipolar disorder, including hypomania. What begins as self-medication can become a substance use disorder if a person uses drugs or alcohol repeatedly.
Treating Hypomania and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
Hypomania treatmentfor people who have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder requires a program that addresses both the mood symptoms and the symptoms related to substance abuse. A treatment plan will vary based on each individual’s unique needs.
If you or a loved one is experiencing co-occurring hypomania and substance abuse, The Recovery Village, which has locations across the country, can create a treatment plan that addresses both conditions.Reach outto a representative today to begin the treatment process.
