The highs and lows of bipolar disorder can make it harder to overcome addiction. You might struggle with impulsive decisions and overwhelming sadness that makes it hard to get out of bed. It's an exhausting cycle. We offer co-occurring bipolar disorder treatment at Sheridan Grove in Aurora, CO.
Understanding co-occurring bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Mood episodes can last for days or weeks and seriously disrupt your life.
Types of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar I: At least one manic episode, which may be followed by a hypomanic or major depressive episode.
- Bipolar II: At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but no full manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder: Numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that are not severe enough to be major episodes.
Terms you should understand
- Manic episodes: Periods of elevated energy, racing thoughts, and euphoria or intense irritability. This can lead to impulsive behavior, a decreased need for sleep, and poor decision-making.
- Hypomanic episodes: A less severe form of mania. You may feel unusually energetic, productive, and good, but your functioning is not as impaired as in a full manic episode.
- Depressive episodes: Periods of overwhelming sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
Impacts of a missed diagnosis
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed, often as major depression, anxiety, or even just as behavioral problems related to addiction. When substance use is involved, it can mask the underlying mood disorder, making an accurate diagnosis even more difficult. Living with undiagnosed and untreated bipolar disorder can lead to years of confusion, frustration, and a sense of personal failure, all while the cycle of addiction continues.
The link between bipolar disorder and substance use
The connection between bipolar disorder and addiction is strong and creates a cycle that's difficult to break on your own. Many people turn to substances to self-medicate—using alcohol or sedatives to calm down, or stimulants to lift themselves out of a deep depression. Impulsivity also makes it harder to make healthy decisions about substance use.
Substance use can trigger or worsen mood episodes, increase impulsivity, and make medications less effective. Over time, it becomes hard to distinguish the symptoms of bipolar disorder from the effects of substance use.
Common signs of co-occurring bipolar disorder
You may be living with bipolar disorder and substance use if you recognize these patterns:
- High-risk behaviors while using substances, such as reckless spending or unsafe sex.
- Using substances to manage your intense emotions or to regulate your sleep.
- A history of legal, financial, or relationship problems linked to impulsive decisions made during mood episodes.
- Periods of heavy substance use that seem to align with your mood swings.
24/7 help for co-occurring bipolar disorder.
Why integrated treatment is essential
When you live with both bipolar disorder and addiction, getting treatment for only one condition is rarely successful. If you stop using substances but your underlying mood episodes go unmanaged, the emotional instability can drive the urge to use, making your risk for relapse higher.
Research is promising that integrated dual diagnosis treatment leads to far better results. By addressing both conditions simultaneously, people can have better mood stability, improved medication adherence, fewer hospitalizations, and a higher chance of achieving and maintaining sobriety. At Sheridan Grove Recovery, our entire program is built on evidence-based approaches.
Skills and therapies that build stability
Our program uses evidence-based therapies to help you develop the skills needed for lasting recovery.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): CBT helps you challenge the thought patterns that fuel both depression and mania, while DBT teaches skills for regulating emotions and tolerating distress without turning to substances.
- Relapse prevention and psychoeducation: We empower you with knowledge about bipolar disorder and addiction. You will learn to identify your personal triggers for mood episodes (and early signs you're entering one) and substance cravings and develop a concrete plan to manage them.
- Building healthy habits: Stability is built on routine. We help you establish healthy habits around sleep, nutrition, medication adherence, and exercise, which are essential for managing bipolar disorder.
- Peer support and group Therapy: In group therapy, you will connect with others who understand your struggle, reducing feelings of isolation. You're not alone, and there is a way forward that puts you in control.
Our co-occurring bipolar disorder treatment approach
Your care should be as unique as you are. We provide the structure, support, and skills you need to find stability and build a foundation for lifelong recovery.
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation:
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Our clinical team takes the time to understand your history, symptoms, and goals to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Personalized treatment plan:
We create an individualized care plan that maps out your path through medical detox and into our inpatient residential program. This plan includes clear, measurable goals for managing your bipolar disorder and recovering from addiction.
Licensed, specialized professionals:
You will be supported by a collaborative team of experts. Psychiatrists for medication management, licensed therapists for individual and group sessions, 24/7 nursing staff for medical support, and case managers to help coordinate your care.
Streamlined admissions & insurance support:
Seeking help can be stressful, so we make the admissions process as simple as possible. We proudly accept Colorado Medicaid plans and most major insurance, and will handle the verification process for you.
What to expect during your time at Sheridan Grove Recovery
During your stay, you will work closely with your care team, who will monitor your progress and refine your treatment plan as you heal. Before you leave, we will create a comprehensive aftercare plan to connect you with the resources and support you need for long-term success, including access to our supportive alumni community.
Recovery with a view. Rooted in the Rockies.
Stability, clarity, and hope are within reach. Lasting recovery is possible when co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction are treated with compassionate, expert, and integrated care. Your healing journey begins with care you can count on.
Whether you’re ready to take the first step or just have questions, our team is here to help 24/7. Contact Sheridan Grove Recovery today and find your path to a more stable and hopeful future.
Frequently asked questions
Bipolar I is defined by the presence of at least one manic episode, which involves severe mood and energy shifts. Bipolar II is characterized by less intense hypomanic episodes and at least one major depressive episode. Both are serious conditions that benefit from treatment.
The length of treatment is tailored to each person's unique needs. Our focus is on helping you build a strong foundation for recovery, not on a predetermined timeline. Most people are in residential treatment at Sheridan Grove Recovery for around 28 days.
Yes. It is very common for bipolar disorder to co-exist with other conditions. Our comprehensive evaluation process is designed to identify any and all co-occurring disorders so that we can treat them effectively.
Ambivalence is a normal part of the recovery process. Our team is skilled in motivational interviewing, a therapeutic approach that helps you explore your own reasons for change without pressure or judgment. We meet you where you are.
