Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis and the Path to Recovery

What happens when mental health and addiction collide? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Shamszad shares his raw and revealing story of living with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction — a combination often referred to as a dual diagnosis.

From self-medicating through college to hospitalization, reckless mania, and rock bottom, David opens up about how stigma, shame, and silence kept him from getting help for years. His turning point came after a dangerous blackout that could have ended in tragedy — and became the moment he chose recovery.

Now 10 years sober, David reflects on the long road to understanding his bipolar disorder, the importance of therapy, and how sharing his story publicly has become a form of healing.

If you or someone you love struggles with both mental illness and substance use, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Recovery is possible — and it often begins with honesty.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “dual diagnosis” means and why it’s often misunderstood
• The connection between bipolar disorder and addiction
• How self-medicating can delay diagnosis and worsen symptoms
• The impact of shame, stigma, and cultural norms on help-seeking
• David’s experience with mania, depression, and suicidal thoughts
• The moment of clarity that led to his recovery
• Why sobriety alone isn’t enough — therapy and connection matter
• Practical tools for managing co-occurring conditions
• How hope grows “drop by drop” through small acts of support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and dual diagnosis
 01:15 - What it means to live with both a mental health condition and addiction
 02:12 - David’s early signs of bipolar disorder in college
 03:33 - How shame and masculinity silenced his depression
 04:50 - Manic highs, risky behavior, and denial
 06:08 - The crash after mania: waking up in fear and paralysis
 07:25 - Hospitalization and first bipolar diagnosis
 08:27 - The power of naming an illness — and the shame that still lingered
 09:30 - Understanding Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
 10:31 - Alcohol as self-medication and the illusion of control
 11:20 - The night that changed everything: waking up injured and afraid
 12:20 - Realizing addiction could destroy more than just his own life
 12:42 - The decision to get help and tell the truth
 13:18 - Ten years sober and learning to rebuild
 14:15 - Therapy, coping skills, and daily maintenance
 15:15 - Message to those still struggling: recovery happens gradually
 17:31 - The power of “small drops” of hope and connection
 18:54 - Reflections on stigma, masculinity, and vulnerability
 20:28 - Encouragement to speak up and seek support
 24:23 - Where David is now: success, sobriety, and service
 25:09 - Closing thoughts and resources for help

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