| Although it has been suspected that there is a genetic | | | | symptoms of the disorder). |
| link between bipolar disorder and alcoholism, this is only | | | | In some cases, bipolar disorder clearly develops before |
| a theory. What is known as a fact is that the two | | | | alcoholism. On the other hand, the disorder may |
| often occur together. | | | | increase the chances of alcohol abuse. |
| Alcoholism has been known to be passed down in the | | | | Some people have been known to use alcohol during |
| family, but whether this is due to environment or | | | | a depressive episode to try to make themselves feel |
| genetics has not been proven. However, the fact that | | | | better but, since alcohol is a depressant, it only |
| bipolar disorder does have a hereditary component | | | | worsens their state. |
| has been proven by years and years of clinical | | | | Other people will use alcohol during a manic episode to |
| research. | | | | try to "come down" from their manic high. |
| Does this mean that everyone with the disorder will | | | | During a manic episode, a person has also been |
| become an alcoholic, or vice versa? That's not what | | | | known to use alcohol recreationally yet found |
| I'm saying. | | | | themselves addicted to it afterward. |
| However, the fact remains that many people with the | | | | When bipolar disorder and alcoholism occur at the |
| disorder do use alcohol - either due to the fact that | | | | same time (called co-morbidity, or dual diagnosis), each |
| they were already alcoholics before diagnosis, or that | | | | can worsen the symptoms and severity of the other. |
| they began to use alcohol after they were diagnosed | | | | In addition, alcoholism can complicate the treatment of |
| (either for pleasure or, perhaps, to mask the | | | | bipolar disorder, and vice versa. |