Tranquility Woods
Overview and Education
Bipolar and Addiction Rehab in Maryland
If you or someone you care about struggles with both bipolar disorder and addiction, it can feel like an overwhelming and complicated journey. Bipolar disorder itself can be unpredictable, with mood swings that range from manic highs to depressive lows. Add addiction into the mix, and things can get even harder to manage. The reality is, bipolar disorder and addiction often go hand-in-hand—and for a lot of people, treating one without the other simply isn’t enough.
Here’s what you need to know about how bipolar disorder and addiction are connected, why people with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to substance abuse, and how a dual-focused treatment approach can make a real difference.
Why Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Are So Closely Linked
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, which can vary in intensity and frequency. People with bipolar disorder experience “manic” episodes, where they may feel euphoric, impulsive, or overly energized, as well as depressive episodes, where they may feel deeply sad, hopeless, or fatigued. These swings can be exhausting and destabilizing, which is why many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.
Did you know? Studies have shown that up to 56% of people with bipolar disorder will experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lives. This overlap isn’t a coincidence; the symptoms of bipolar disorder can drive people toward substances, and the substances themselves can make mood swings worse.
For example, during manic episodes, people might drink excessively or use stimulants to keep the high going or make impulsive decisions about drug use. In depressive episodes, they may turn to alcohol or opioids to numb the pain or escape the crushing low. Over time, this cycle can lead to a serious dependency that makes it even harder to manage bipolar symptoms, creating a vicious loop.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When someone has both bipolar disorder and an addiction, it’s known as a “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorder.” Treating only one piece of the puzzle isn’t enough—people need treatment that addresses both the mood disorder and the substance dependency, ideally at the same time. Focusing solely on addiction without stabilizing the bipolar symptoms can lead to relapse, as untreated mood swings can drive people right back to using substances. On the other hand, managing only the bipolar symptoms without addressing the addiction can leave the person vulnerable to continued substance abuse, especially when cravings and triggers resurface.
At Tranquility Woods, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment that approaches both conditions with equal care and attention. Our program is designed to provide clients with the medical, therapeutic, and emotional support they need to manage bipolar disorder and addiction simultaneously.
How Our Three-Phase Program Helps Clients with Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Our three-phase program at Tranquility Woods is structured to provide a safe, supportive environment for people with both bipolar disorder and addiction. Each phase of treatment builds on the last, ensuring that clients are able to develop the tools they need for long-term stability and recovery.
Phase One: Residential Treatment—Stabilization and Safety
The first phase of our program is residential treatment, where clients stay on-site in a peaceful, structured environment. For clients with bipolar disorder, this phase is all about stabilization. Our medical team works to create a personalized plan that addresses both the addiction and the mood disorder. For some clients, this may involve medication to help regulate mood swings or manage withdrawal symptoms in a way that keeps them safe and comfortable.
Therapy in this phase is focused on understanding the connection between bipolar disorder and substance use. Our clinicians help clients start exploring why they turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place, whether it’s to cope with manic energy, numb depressive pain, or simply to feel a sense of balance. Residential treatment provides a foundation, allowing clients to stabilize their mental health and clear their system of substances, all while receiving compassionate, round-the-clock support.
Mood stabilizers and other medications used to treat bipolar disorder can be tricky to manage alongside addiction recovery. That’s why our medical team is closely involved in crafting a plan that fits each client’s unique needs.
Phase Two: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)—Building Tools for Stability
Once clients are stabilized, they move to our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). In PHP, clients spend several hours a day at Tranquility Woods working on their recovery, but they return home or to a sober living environment at night. This phase provides structure while giving clients more independence, allowing them to start applying the skills they learned in residential treatment in a real-world setting.
PHP is focused on building the coping tools that are essential for long-term recovery. Therapy sessions in this phase emphasize relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and managing mood swings without substances. For clients with bipolar disorder, learning how to recognize the early signs of a manic or depressive episode is key. During PHP, they develop strategies to manage these mood swings in healthy ways, whether it’s through mindfulness, grounding techniques, or simply reaching out for support.
Peer support is also a huge part of PHP. Clients connect with others who are navigating similar struggles, creating a sense of community and shared understanding. Many clients find that connecting with people who “get it” can be transformative, offering encouragement and empathy as they work through the challenges of recovery.
Members of our clinical team meeting at our outpatient location in Arnold, Maryland.
Phase Three: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The final phase, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), is all about helping clients reintegrate into daily life with confidence. In IOP, clients come to Tranquility Woods several times a week for therapy and support, but they also start resuming their regular routines—work, school, family responsibilities, and social activities.
For clients with bipolar disorder, this phase can be particularly challenging, as everyday stressors and life changes can sometimes trigger mood swings. But in IOP, clients have a supportive place to process these experiences and fine-tune their coping skills. This phase is also about maintaining momentum and reinforcing healthy habits that help manage both addiction and bipolar disorder over the long term. Clients have access to ongoing therapy, group support, and resources that keep them connected to their recovery journey.
Change can happen.
Why Our Phased Approach Works for Dual Diagnosis
For people with co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder and addiction, a phased approach is crucial. Recovery from both conditions requires time, structure, and gradual steps toward independence. Each phase of our program is designed to help clients manage their bipolar symptoms and addiction triggers more effectively, giving them a solid foundation for long-term stability.
Throughout each phase, we also work closely with clients to create a personalized aftercare plan. This often includes ongoing therapy, support groups, medication management, and other resources to support them after they leave Tranquility Woods. Our goal is to empower clients to live full, meaningful lives without the need for substances.
Moving Forward: Finding Hope in Healing
Bipolar disorder and addiction may feel like a difficult combination to overcome, but with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible. At Tranquility Woods, we’re committed to helping our clients heal on all levels—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our program is designed to address the unique challenges of dual diagnosis, providing the structure, support, and skills needed to build a balanced, fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with both bipolar disorder and addiction, know that help is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Our three-phase program is here to guide you through each step, from stabilization to independence, with the resources and compassionate care needed for lasting recovery.