Co-occurring mental health conditions and substance abuse affect nearly 8.9 million yearly.

Drug and alcohol abuse is common in people in the throes of a manic episode. Some people feel irritable instead, especially when substance use is involved. The incidence of substance abuse is higher among individuals with bipolar disorder than among the population as a whole. Wise says many are attempting to "self-medicate" to alleviate their symptoms. In both cases, the usual result is that the substance abuse kicks the bipolar disorder into the opposite state — depression or mania — rather than fixing anything. Only 7.4% receive appropriate treatment. Also, manic episodes can vary in severity. Dr. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that over half of people with bipolar disorder (56 percent) have a history of illicit drug abuse, while 44 percent have abused or are dependent on alcohol. Mania is a state of elevated energy, mood, and behavior, most often seen in those with bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or who have taken certain drugs or medications. Mania does not always involve feeling good, however. Research reveals that people with co-occurring disorders need specialized integrated treatment. DSM-5 divides manic episodes into two types: Mania— Lasting at least a week and causing significant impairment in social mania and depression at the same time. Mania, also known as manic syndrome, is a state of abnormally elevated arousal, ... risky sexual activity, abuse of recreational substances, excessive gambling, reckless behavior (such as extreme speeding or other daredevil activity), abnormal social interaction (e.g. over familiarity and conversing with strangers), or highly vocal arguments. Substance abuse is defined as any use of an illicit intoxicant, any use of prescription medication outside the direction of a doctor, or excessive use of legal substances such as alcohol. Few programs specialize in treating dual diagnosis.