Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder isn’t just about having good days and bad days—it’s a mental health condition that brings powerful mood swings. [3] One week, you might feel unstoppable, brimming with energy, or acting on impulse during a manic episode. Next, you could hit a low point, feeling completely drained, hopeless, or unable to care about anything at all.

These ups and downs go far beyond what most people experience, often making it hard to keep up with work, relationships, or even the basics of everyday life.

There are several types, including bipolar I disorder, which involves at least one period of severe mania, and bipolar II disorder, which brings less intense “highs” but longer and more persistent depressive symptoms. [4] Both forms are considered serious mood disorders that can upend everyday life.

Managing bipolar disorder isn’t easy, especially when the symptoms get overlooked or mistaken for something else. A lot of people end up reaching for drugs or alcohol, hoping it’ll take the edge off those mood swings. What starts as coping can quickly turn into a substance use disorder, making everything feel even more out of control. Having strong support and early intervention can make a major difference in achieving stability and long-term wellness.

Addiction and the Interaction with Bipolar Disorder

When someone has bipolar disorder and addiction, the two conditions often feed off each other in ways that make recovery more complicated.

People may use drugs or alcohol to cope with intense mood swings or to find relief from the highs and lows of manic episodes and depressive episodes. [5] Unfortunately, this kind of substance misuse can make bipolar symptoms more unpredictable and more challenging to manage.

In states like New Jersey, the constant stress and fast pace can make self-medicating even more tempting. Over time, the cycle of using substances to manage a mood disorder often leads to a full-blown substance use disorder. That’s why integrated, local support is so important for anyone facing both bipolar disorder and addiction.

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Spotting bipolar disorder isn’t always easy. People living with bipolar disorder might go through stretches where they’re bursting with energy, taking risks, or feeling on top of the world, only to crash into periods of exhaustion, sadness, or just not caring about anything.

These significant swings can turn everyday life upside down, making it challenging to maintain a job, keep up with friends, or simply feel steady from one week to the next.

When substance use disorder is involved, the signs can get even harder to spot. Someone might use alcohol or drugs to manage the extremes of their mood, which can temporarily mask symptoms or even make them worse.

Over time, drug or alcohol use can intensify both the highs and lows, leading to more frequent mood swings and deeper depressive crashes. [6]

Why Dual Diagnosis Care Is Essential

Treating just one side of the problem—bipolar disorder or addiction alone—usually isn’t enough. If substance use isn’t addressed, it’s nearly impossible to keep moods stable. If mental health is ignored, the urge to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol often returns. That’s why a dual diagnosis approach is so essential for anyone dealing with both bipolar disorder and addiction. [7]

Effective bipolar treatment in New Jersey means looking at the whole person. This kind of care blends group therapy, DBT for bipolar, medication management, and holistic support to target both conditions at once.

When treatment is integrated, clients are more likely to find real stability and develop healthier coping skills.

Evidence-Based & Holistic Treatment Options in New Jersey

Treatment for co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction has come a long way, especially in New Jersey. Today’s leading centers use evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and group therapy to help clients understand their triggers, manage emotions, and connect with peers who truly get it. [8]

Finding the right balance of medication, having access to a good psychiatrist, and getting a treatment plan that suits an individual’s life are all significant when dealing with bipolar disorder.

In New Jersey, there’s a wide range of mental health professionals who understand these challenges and know how to create care plans that work for people juggling both a mood disorder and substance use.

With the right help, lasting recovery is within reach.

Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder

With bipolar disorder, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—treatment needs to match each individual’s unique situation. Some people benefit from inpatient care, where they stay at the facility for round-the-clock support and stability, especially if symptoms are severe or there are safety concerns.

• Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): In an IOP, clients attend treatment during the day several times a week while continuing to manage their daily responsibilities.
• Mental Health Outpatient Program (OP): Outpatient programs are well-suited for individuals with a solid support system at home and milder symptoms.

Every treatment plan should be built around what a client needs, taking into account the severity of their mood swings, their history with substances, and any medical issues. If an individual is struggling with withdrawal or has been using heavily, detox or extra medical support may be the first step to get them stable and ready for therapy.

What to Expect in a Treatment Program for Bipolar Disorder

Taking the initial step toward treatment for bipolar disorder can feel like a lot, but having a sense of what’s ahead makes it easier.

Everything starts with a detailed intake and assessment, where the care team gets to know the client, their mental health history, their experiences with substances, and what they hope to achieve. After that, they’ll join a mix of individual therapy sessions and group therapy, where they can share their own story, hear from others, and find some genuine understanding and support.

DBT for bipolar is often woven into daily programming, teaching practical ways to manage big feelings, avoid risky behaviors, and handle life’s ups and downs. [9] Medication management is available when needed, and family support is encouraged, so loved ones can be part of the healing process.

Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention

Finding balance when living with bipolar disorder doesn’t happen overnight—it’s an ongoing process that takes time and support. What helps is having people to lean on and practical tools to remain steady.

Group therapy and regular DBT sessions provide individuals with a space to discuss their challenges and receive guidance from others who understand their experiences. Staying connected with peer support groups, trusted therapists, and the New Jersey mental health community can make all the difference as they build a life that truly feels stable and secure.

Relapse prevention means paying attention to mental health, recognizing triggers, and reaching out when they need help. Individuals should keep their recovery at the center of their life, and remember that even on tough days, they’re not alone—support is always available.