Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment in Denver, CO
Integrated treatment for co-occurring bipolar disorder and substance use in Denver and Lakewood, Colorado. Experienced, compassionate care for one of the most complex dual diagnosis presentations.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: A Complex Relationship
Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder occur together at remarkably high rates. Research consistently finds that people with bipolar disorder are among the most likely of any mental health population to also have a substance use disorder, with some studies finding rates of co-occurrence above 50 percent.
During manic or hypomanic episodes, impulsivity and elevated mood can dramatically increase risk-taking behavior, including substance use. During depressive episodes, the weight of low mood and hopelessness drives many people toward substances as self-medication. The cycling nature of bipolar disorder means the triggers for substance use can shift rapidly, making the pattern difficult to address without integrated treatment.
Substances also affect the course of bipolar disorder directly. Alcohol and stimulants can trigger manic episodes. Substance use can interfere with the effectiveness of mood stabilizing medications. Denver Recovery's experienced clinical team is trained to work within this complexity.
How We Treat Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Together
Careful Assessment and Diagnosis
Accurately assessing bipolar disorder in the context of active or recent substance use requires clinical experience and patience. Some symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal overlap with mood episode symptoms. Our intake process gathers the clinical history needed to distinguish bipolar disorder from substance-induced mood symptoms.
Mood Stabilization as a Foundation
For clients with bipolar disorder, mood stability is a prerequisite for effective addiction treatment. Without addressing the cycling of mood episodes, relapse risk remains extremely high. Denver Recovery's integrated approach prioritizes mood stabilization from the beginning.
Psychiatric and Medication Management
Medication management for bipolar disorder in the context of addiction requires specialized expertise. Mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine are commonly used, and the interaction of these medications with substances and withdrawal must be carefully managed. Denver Recovery's psychiatric providers are experienced in this clinical territory.
Therapy Tailored to Bipolar and Addiction
CBT adapted for bipolar disorder helps clients recognize early warning signs of mood episodes and develop plans to respond before an episode escalates into a relapse trigger. DBT's emotional regulation and distress tolerance components are also particularly relevant for the intensity of emotional experience that bipolar disorder involves.
Learn moreEducation and Relapse Prevention Planning
Understanding one's own bipolar episode patterns, warning signs, and triggers is itself a therapeutic tool. Denver Recovery incorporates psychoeducation about bipolar disorder into the treatment experience throughout.
Serving Denver, Lakewood, and the Greater Colorado Region
Denver Recovery provides bipolar disorder and addiction treatment at our Denver and Lakewood locations, serving individuals from Denver, Lakewood, Aurora, Golden, Jefferson County, and across the Colorado region. Our admissions team is happy to help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment
How common is addiction among people with bipolar disorder?
Very common. Research consistently finds that people with bipolar disorder have substantially higher rates of substance use disorder than the general population, with some studies finding co-occurrence in over half of people with bipolar I disorder.
Is bipolar disorder treated during rehab?
Yes. At Denver Recovery, bipolar disorder is treated as an integrated part of the addiction treatment program from the beginning. Mood stabilization, psychiatric support, medication management, and bipolar-specific therapeutic interventions are all part of the care plan.
What therapies address bipolar and addiction together?
Denver Recovery uses CBT adapted for bipolar disorder, DBT for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, and family therapy where appropriate. The specific combination is tailored to each client's clinical profile.
Is medication management included in treatment?
Yes. For clients with bipolar disorder, medication management is generally a central part of the treatment plan. Denver Recovery's psychiatric providers evaluate each client's medication needs and manage them as part of the integrated care program.
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Experienced Care for a Complex Presentation
Bipolar disorder and addiction together represent one of the most clinically complex dual diagnosis presentations. Denver Recovery's experienced team in Denver and Lakewood is equipped to provide the integrated, nuanced care this combination requires. Reach out today.