Addiction

Can bipolar mood swings be cured permanently with or without medication?

I have a son who is doing his Ph.D. in the US. He is taking the mood stabilization drug sodium valporate prescribed by an Indian Doctor and continued by another Nepali, mental doctor. He is highly intelligent and can apply himself very intensely to anything, has a history of mild drug addiction and very vulnerable to addiction of any kind. I am here in Nepal and always worried about his mental frame. Right now he seems quite happy and stable, but a slightest disturbance can upset him. The doctor who was treating him here advised him to carry along the medicine for at least 6 months and consult a doctor and if you feel fine can quit the midicine. I would like to know what are the chances of relapse once he gets completely alright and quits the drug?

There is no cure for bi-polar disorder. This is something your son will have to deal with his whole life. Luckily, it seems he has found some meds that work for him and while he may always be upset more easily than others, he is clearly functioning very well.

Getting off meds for bi-polar patients is not an option. The medication is what gives them the chemical balance their bodies can not provide on it’s own. However, often times a person starts feeling “better” for longer periods of time once they have meds that work and will often think they are “cured” and go off. More likely than not this will lead to a serious episode, one that can leave the patient severely depressed and angry, posing a threat to himself as well as others. Do not listen to the Dr. who says your son can stop using the meds. Your son should be working with a psychiatrist on a regular basis to moniter both his progress and his medication levels. That is the only one who should have a say, along with your son, on what to try or not try. If his Dr. is not a psyhciatrist, he needs to find one immediately…a primary care doctor does not have the scope of experience and information needed to effectively treat bi-polar.

Addiction Treatment at Clearview Los Angeles

Beginning with a mission to provide highly individualized treatment programs that address the holistic, multidimensional needs of alcoholics, addicts and those with a dual-diagnosis, Clearview started as a small, specialized outpatient treatment program and now operates multiple high-quality, affordable treatment facilities in the West Los Angeles area and Southern California Beach communities.
A recognized leader in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, Clearview was one of the first treatment programs in the country offering long-term care to address alcoholism and drug addictions, dual diagnosis, abuse and trauma, eating disorders, codependency, sexual addiction, and psychiatric disorders.

Clearview is a full service recovery center specializing in dual and addictive disorders . We provide the following levels of care:
•  Detoxification Services
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We focus on many issues affecting the well-being of our clients including psychological and emotional issues, social and family relationships, personal and professional goals, health and fitness, diet and nutrition, spirituality, life stressors, vocational and educational concerns, and independent living skills.

At Clearview, we specialize in the  treatment of addictions , dual diagnosis, and mental health disorders. We address and treat:
•  Dual Diagnosis
•  Substance Abuse
•  Chemical Dependency
•  Trauma and Abuse
•  Eating Disorders
•  Codependency
•  Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity
•  Depression and Anxiety
•  Bipolar Disorder
•  Personality Disorders
•  Vocational Needs
•  Educational Issues
Clearview Treatment Programs offers specialized services designed to assist you in not just getting sober and healthy, but in developing a sober and healthy lifestyle. Our outpatient programs also specialize in helping you with mental illness, whether or not you have a substance abuse problem.

We’re here to help. And we’re here to listen. If you’re hurting right now or if you know someone who is, pick up the phone and call for a free assessment. At the other end of the line will be someone who has been there. You are not alone.

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Los Angeles Residential, Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs for Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Dual Diagnosis, Substance Abuse, Chemical Dependency. Clearview, specialize in alcoholism treatment, addictions treatment, dual diagnosis, and mental health disorders treatment.

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