Combined Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use

Co-Occurring Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use

Bipolar disorder is a complex mood condition defined by cycles of depression and mania or hypomania. For women, these shifts can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, often disrupting relationships, work, and self-confidence. Many women with bipolar disorder also struggle with alcohol use, turning to drinking as a way to manage symptoms or escape emotional pain.

Unfortunately, alcohol only intensifies the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, leading to greater instability and risk. Women face unique challenges, including faster progression of alcohol dependence and increased vulnerability to trauma. This is why gender-specific, trauma-informed care is essential for lasting recovery.

When both conditions occur together, life can feel unmanageable, but recovery is possible. Through integrated dual diagnosis treatment, women can begin to stabilize their moods, reduce harmful drinking patterns, and reclaim their sense of control. Avery Lane provides a safe, supportive environment where women are empowered to heal not only from co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder and alcohol use but also from the underlying trauma that often fuels both.

women focused on recovery from bipolar disorder and alcohol use

Avery Lane Wins Conquer Addiction’s

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. This condition affects nearly 3% of US adults.

It presents in several forms:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: defined by manic episodes that may alternate with depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: involves patterns of hypomania and more frequent or severe depressive episodes.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: marked by milder but chronic fluctuations in mood over time.

Symptoms may include impulsivity, racing thoughts, deep depression, and overwhelming energy surges. Research shows that women often experience bipolar disorder differently, with more depressive episodes, higher rates of mixed states, and increased risk of co-occurring anxiety.

How Alcohol Addiction and Bipolar Disorder Interact

Many women with bipolar disorder turn to alcohol to cope with the intensity of mood swings. While it may provide temporary relief, alcohol abuse actually destabilizes mood and can worsen both manic and depressive episodes. Drinking also interferes with prescribed medications, reducing their effectiveness or heightening side effects.

Women in particular face unique risks: alcohol use disorder (AUD) often progresses more quickly in women, and trauma histories may amplify both conditions. This interaction makes it especially important to address bipolar disorder and alcoholism at the same time.

Risks and Consequences of Bipolar Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorder

Living with both bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence can be especially dangerous. Risks may include:

  • Increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • More frequent psychiatric crises and hospitalizations
  • Strained relationships and social withdrawal
  • Serious health complications, such as liver and cardiovascular disease
  • Re-activation of unresolved trauma and co-occurring conditions like PTSD

Signs a Woman May Be Struggling with Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism

Recognizing the signs of co-occurring bipolar disorder and alcohol misuse can help women and their loved ones seek help sooner. Warning signs may include:

  • Severe or frequent mood swings worsened by drinking
  • Using alcohol to manage depression, mania, or anxiety
  • Heightened impulsivity, risky behaviors, or aggression when drinking
  • Decline in relationships, work, or school performance
  • Withdrawal symptoms or inability to stop alcohol use despite consequences

Get Help at Avery Lane

Recovery from bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction is possible with the right care and support. At Avery Lane, women are welcomed into a compassionate, community-based environment that honors their strength and resilience.If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and alcohol use, Avery Lane can help. Call us today at (800) 270-2406.

Why Women Need Specialized Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Abuse

Bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction affect women differently than men. Trauma often lies beneath both conditions, fueling cycles of self-medication and emotional pain. Shame and stigma can also prevent many women from reaching out for help, leaving them isolated.

Specialized women-only programs like Avery Lane provide safety, trust, and trauma-informed treatment that acknowledges these unique experiences. By integrating mental health and addiction care, women are able to find hope and stability in recovery.

Avery Lane’s Approach to Recovery

At Avery Lane, women receive treatment for bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder at the same time. Individualized care plans are designed around each woman’s needs, ensuring holistic and lasting healing.

Levels of Care

  • Detoxification: A safe, medically supported process that helps women withdraw from alcohol and stabilize physically before beginning treatment.
  • Mental Health Residential: A structured, supportive environment focused on psychiatric stabilization and therapeutic care.
  • Substance Use Residential: Comprehensive recovery services addressing alcohol dependence alongside mood stabilization.
  • Partial Hospitalization (PHP): A full-day program providing intensive therapeutic support while women begin reintegrating into daily life.
  • Intensive Outpatient (IOP): A flexible, step-down option with continued therapy and community support.

Evidence-Based and Holistic Modalities

Avery Lane combines evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, Brainspotting, and Beyond Trauma with holistic practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and anger management. This comprehensive approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

Co-Occurring Disorders Therapy

Avery Lane provides comprehensive therapy programs for Co-occurring Disorders, including:

Anxiety Disorder and Drug Addiction

A comprehensive program for Anxiety and Drug Addiction.

Depression & Alcohol Addiction

Reclaim your life from Depression and Alcohol Addiction.

PTSD & Alcohol Use Disorder

Start Healing from PTSD and Alcohol.

Complex PTSD & Substance Use

Stop the C-PTSD and Substance Use Loop.

Bipolar Disorder & Alcohol Use

Break the Bipolar and Alcohol Cycle.

BPD & Substance Use

Integrated Treatment for BPD and Substance Use.

OCD & Substance Use Disorder

Get Help for OCD and Substance Use.

ADHD & Substance Use

Real Support for ADHD and Substance Use.

Panic Disorder & Substance Use

Overcome Panic Disorder and Substance Use.

Social Anxiety & Alcohol Use

Move Beyond Social Anxiety and Alcohol Use.

Benzodiazepine Misuse & Anxiety

Get Help for Benzodiazepine Misuse and Anxiety.

Chronic Pain, Trauma, & Opioids

Rebuild Your Life From Chronic Pain, Trauma, and Opioids.

Meth Addiction & Psychosis

Overcome Meth Addiction and Psychosis.

Schizophrenia & Substance Use Disorder

An integrated approach to schizophrenia and SUD.

Verify Your Insurance

Avery Lane has admissions specialists ready to help you determine insurance coverage and financing options. We accept most private, commercial insurance. Please note that we are unable to accept 
Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Medicaid at this time. Click below to fill out our Confidential Insurance Verification Form and we will contact you promptly.

Insurance Carriers we accept

What Women Experience

Hear What Our Alumni Has To say about Avery Lane

Camille Open Door at Avery Lane Womens Rehab Novato

We were all so fortunate to find Avery Lane when our daughter was at a low point. An initial diagnosis was confirmed by staff and the time spent there in recovery was very beneficial to both our daughter and ourselves. Our daughter was able to find out why she was behaving the way she was and was given many tools to help her recovery.

D.A. and J.A. - Parents of Avery Lane Alumni

What Women Experience

Hear What Our Alumni Has To say about Avery Lane

I can only say that seeking help is the first big step. I am so grateful to have found the team at Avery Lane…this past year has been far from easy or simple. I’ve had my moments of doubt, crisis, despair, loneliness…. but in each of those instances I had an incredible group of women to help me through my journey…reminding me of the many tools at my disposal, the strength of my soul and the freedom that comes when you face your worst fears.

D.R. - Avery Lane Alumni

My daughter chose to go to Avery Lane because it was founded by a woman, run by women and only treated women. It gave her a safe sanctuary to heal as well as peace of mind for us, her parents, who did not want her in a co-ed treatment program."

C.H - Mother of Avery Lane Alumni