Current literature on bipolar disorder and abuse of LSD (and other substances)suggests that these conditions frequently occur together – in fact, to such an extent that people with bipolar disorder should routinely be checked for alcohol and drug abuse as a complicating issue. Those who experience mixed states or rapid cycling have the highest rate of danger from substance abuse. The discomfort that people feel in these chaotic moods is so great that they may be willing to do or take almost anything to make it stop.
Actually, there is quite a bit of overlap in symptoms between LSD and bipolar disorder. For instance, both LSD and bipolar disorder can cause you to do things you wouldn’t normally do. In the case of bipolar disorder, you might make the poor choice of turning to LSD or other drugs for escape or self-medication. In addition to lapses in good judgment, both LSD and bipolar disorder can also cause severe mood swings.
Experts in treating people with a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and LSD or other substance abuse say that treatment success depends on appropriate medication; education about their psychiatric condition and drug abuse; and close monitoring. Lithium has proven to greatly reduce or eliminate substance abuse in as many as 75% of dual-diagnosis patients with bipolar disorder.
If you suffer from bipolar disorder and use LSD, you should know that treatment is available to address both issues, as well as any other conditions that may exist and complicate life for you.1
Does Bipolar Disorder Make Me Use LSD?
While you probably shouldn’t blame your LSD use on bipolar disorder, the fact is that bipolar disorder is likely a factor in your decision to first use or to continue using. Even if you want to quit, mood swings and other symptoms of bipolar disorder may cause you to come back to LSD. Yes, you can heal from LSD addiction, but it may be more challenging for you than for someone who is not suffering from bipolar disorder.2
What Type of Treatment Works for LSD Addiction and Bipolar Disorder?
Substance abuse definitely compounds the difficulties of people with bipolar disorder. Individuals with this comorbidity get less benefit from their mood disorder treatment, recover more slowly from mood swings, spend more time in hospitals, and are more prone to committing suicide. They are also less responsive to drug abuse treatment than individuals who do not have a dual diagnosis.
Indeed, traditional forms of LSD addiction treatment will not be as effective for individuals with bipolar disorder, since such programs will not take into account those specific aspects of your LSD addiction.That is why it is so critical for people with such dual diagnosis to be treated by specialists and staff that are trained and equipped to comprehensively evaluate and treat all of the conditions involved – that is, treat the whole person.Case in point, while no government-approved medication exists for LSD addiction, mood-stabilizing prescription meds have shown good results with bipolar disorder.
In treatment, recovery professionals will teach you how to deal with LSD cravings and symptoms associated with your bipolar disorder and provide you with a solid foundation for a successful and long-lasting recovery.3
Don’t Give Up! Find Quality Help for Your Dual Diagnosis
“People with these disorders often feel hopeless about ever getting better,” says Dr. Roger D. Weiss, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and chief of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. “They often feel that no matter what they do, it doesn’t help; so they may stop trying.”3
If you have a bipolar disorder and are struggling with LSD or other drug abuse, we encourage you to call our 24/7 toll-free line immediately. When you call, you will get friendly, professional advice. After carefully and compassionately listening to your personal story, one of our team members will walk you through some positive treatment options. If you would like, we can even assist you in determining how much your insurance coverage will pay for this vital care. Then, after you have weighed your choices, you can move ahead…for needed healing and a brighter future. We hope you will trust us to serve you or your loved one if these services are needed. You can count on this for sure: we care…one person at a time.
1McGregor, Sherrie, Ph.D., “Substance Abuse and Bipolar Disorder”, PsychCentral, http://psychcentral.com/lib/substance-abuse-and-bipolar-disorder/ , (July 17, 2016).
2 “Why Do People Take Hallucinogenic or Dissociative Drugs?”, National Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogens-dissociative-drugs/what-are-facts-about-dissociative-drugs , (February 2015).
3 “Attention to Bipolar Disorder Strengthens Substance Abuse Treatment”, National Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2010/04/attention-to-bipolar-disorder-strengthens-substance-abuse-treatment , (April 1, 2010).