Mood Swings and Addiction Explained
Just as the climate is ever-changing, so too can a person’s mood shift and fluctuate. However, for someone grappling with substance abuse disorder, these mood swings can be so profound and abrupt that they significantly disrupt their personal relationships and life prospects.
What are Mood Swings?
Mood swings represent a rapid and sometimes intense alteration in an individual’s emotional state. Typically, mood transitions occur rather gradually under normal conditions. Of course, certain events can impact swift changes in mood even without the presence of a substance abuse issue or other conditions. For instance, a person’s sour mood could dramatically brighten upon winning the lottery, whereas a content individual could understandably become highly distressed due to an unfortunate event like an accident or job loss.
Conversely, in individuals with certain disorders, mood swings can be sparked by minor triggers or seemingly no trigger at all. While most people’s moods, particularly those influenced by specific events, tend to stabilise over time, those prone to mood swings might experience a rapid succession of diverse emotional states or swinging frequently and intensely between highs and lows.
What causes mood swings?
External circumstances can significantly sway a person’s mood. Yet, frequent mood swings are often symptomatic of underlying disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conditions like epilepsy and autism, as well as degenerative diseases impacting the central nervous system – including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease – can also lead to frequent mood shifts. Hormonal fluctuations, typical during pregnancy, menopause, and throughout menstrual cycles, are also known to trigger mood swings.
Furthermore, the consumption and misuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause mood swings. Certain psychoactive substances can influence mood while active in the system. Moreover, prolonged use of alcohol and drugs can alter brain chemistry, making an individual more prone to experiencing mood swings.
Mood swings as an addiction symptom
Mood swings can indeed be indicative of addiction, manifesting both during drug influence and as a consequence of prolonged substance abuse, which can alter brain chemistry. These swings in mood are also commonly seen during withdrawal periods and may stem from other conditions linked to addiction, like depression.
What are the symptoms of mood swings?
Mood swings are more a symptom than a standalone condition. They are characterised by abrupt, often unpredictable changes in mood, occurring without any clear reason.
How are mood swings diagnosed?
Mood swings themselves are not typically diagnosed independently. Instead, they are considered a component in the diagnosis of the underlying cause, which could be a substance abuse disorder, among others.
How are mood swings treated?
The approach to treating mood swings is heavily influenced by the root cause of these emotional fluctuations. For instance, treatment for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, where mood swings are a symptom, would differ significantly from the treatment for major depressive disorder. In cases where no distinct underlying condition is diagnosed, psychotherapy might be recommended to unearth and tackle potential contributing factors to mood instability.
In instances where mood swings are part of a substance abuse disorder, the psychotherapeutic component of an addiction treatment plan would likely address these mood swings. Medications might also be prescribed, particularly if there are identifiable underlying conditions like major depressive or anxiety disorders, contributing to these mood swings.
Ready to get help for your addiction?
If you’re grappling with an addiction, or suspect you’re on the brink of one, its impact on your mood can be swift and severe. This can, in turn, strain your relationships and negatively affect your professional or academic life. Recognising and admitting your condition is the crucial first step towards recovery.
Take control of your life – get started on the road to recovery
Across the nation, numerous top-notch facilities and organisations stand ready to assist with addiction treatment. The benefits of such support are immeasurable, and the sooner you seek it, the better. Don’t hesitate to contact your GP or an addiction specialist to explore the available treatment options.
Your addiction might make you feel as though you’ve lost your grip on life, but remember, recovery is within reach. By reaching out to your GP or an addiction specialist, you initiate the pivotal journey towards reclaiming your well-being and joy.
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