The classic picture of an alcoholic as a person who always drinks too much and whose life is falling apart only pertains to a portion of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many people appear outwardly fine or even successful, even though they abuse alcohol. Referred to as high-functioning alcoholics, these individuals may be successful…
On their own, psychiatric conditions and alcohol abuse are difficult to treat. The effects are often even harder to manage and treat when someone struggles with both. Research shows that about 45 percent of people with bipolar disorder also meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. Left untreated, people with this combination suffer from…
People with mental illness often have symptoms that are difficult to manage without supportive mental health care. Many people turn to substances, including alcohol, to help them cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of their mental illness. This is called “self-medication.” Addiction to substances is common in people with mental health issues because so many people…