Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment

Bipolar disorder creates intense mood swings that can drive people to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with manic episodes or deep depression. This combination makes recovery more challenging, but specialized treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously provides the best chance for lasting wellness. 
Southeast Addiction Center understands how these co-occurring disorders feed into each other and creates personalized treatment plans that tackle both your mental health symptoms and substance use patterns. You deserve compassionate care that treats the whole person, not just your symptoms.

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Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder affects millions of people in the US and across the world who experience extreme mood swings between manic episodes and depressive episodes.[1] Many people with this mental health condition turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate during intense mood episodes, leading to co-occurring substance use disorders. The combination of bipolar disorder and substance abuse creates a complex dual diagnosis that requires specialized care to address both the mental illness and addiction simultaneously.

People with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder face unique challenges when substance use enters the picture.[2] During manic episodes, racing thoughts and impulsivity can drive risky behaviors, including drug use, while depressive symptoms may lead someone to drink or use substances to numb emotional pain. Substance use disorders can significantly complicate treatment and increase the risk of relapse, making integrated treatment approaches very important for lasting recovery.

Effective treatment for co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions together. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy for bipolar disorder, combined with mood stabilizers like lithium and careful medication management, provide the foundation for recovery.[3]

What Types of Treatment Are There For Bipolar Disorder and Drug/Alcohol Use?

At Southeast Addiction Center, treating bipolar disorder alongside substance use means addressing both conditions as part of one integrated treatment plan. The clinical team understands that mood episodes often drive people to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope, and they design personalized programs that break this cycle. You’ll work with mental health professionals who specialize in dual diagnosis and know how to help you manage symptoms while building lasting recovery skills.

The treatment approach focuses on giving you practical tools to handle mood swings, cravings, and the daily challenges of living with bipolar disorder. Instead of just treating addiction or mental health symptoms separately, the program addresses how these conditions affect each other and develops strategies that work for both. You’ll learn to recognize warning signs, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and create a support system that understands the unique challenges of dual diagnosis:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change thought patterns that trigger both mood episodes and substance use, teaching practical skills for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness techniques that help you handle intense feelings without turning to substances.
  • EMDR Therapy: EMDR for bipolar disorder helps to process trauma and difficult memories that may contribute to both bipolar symptoms and addiction, reducing their impact on your daily life.
  • Holistic Treatment: Incorporates wellness practices such as meditation, exercise, nutrition guidance, and stress management to support overall mental and physical well-being.
  • Motivational Interviewing: A supportive counseling style that helps you explore your own reasons for change and builds confidence in your ability to achieve recovery goals.

What makes Southeast Addiction Center different from other treatment programs for people with bipolar disorder and addiction?

Southeast Addiction Center stands out because the clinical team includes professionals who have their own long-term recovery experience, allowing them to connect with clients on a deeper level and truly understand the challenges of dual diagnosis. 

The program offers flexible scheduling with both daytime and evening Intensive Outpatient Programs, making bipolar treatment in Atlanta accessible for working professionals who need to maintain their jobs while receiving help. Additionally, the center provides specialized tracks, such as the veterans program, where the clinical director, a veteran himself, oversees care plans and leads EMDR therapy sessions.

Our facility maintains smaller group sizes, ranging from 10 to 20 people, ensuring personalized attention. It includes amenities such as comfortable lounge spaces, always-available coffee and snacks, and a relaxed environment where phones are permitted. 

This combination of clinical expertise, peer experience, flexible programming, and supportive atmosphere creates a treatment experience that addresses both the medical aspects of bipolar disorder and the real-world challenges of maintaining recovery.

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