Bipolar Disorder & Addiction Treatment at Banyan

How Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Are Diagnosed

A comprehensive evaluation will be necessary for diagnosis. This may be conducted by both licensed mental health and addiction professionals. The evaluation may include a review of the history of symptoms, patterns of mood episodes, the history of substance use, current medications, changes in sleep, family history, past treatment experience, and the impact that symptoms and substance use have on everyday life.

This is necessary since symptoms of bipolar disorder may be difficult to distinguish from intoxication, withdrawal, trauma, or other mental health conditions. Clinicians also work to discern which type of bipolar disorder may be present, as well as the ways in which substance use impacts symptom manifestations. The diagnosis can facilitate an accurate assessment, leading to more effective treatment plans and a reduced risk for discontinuing care.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder and addiction are best treated as interconnected rather than as isolated disorders. Because mood symptoms can increase vulnerability to relapse and substance use can further impair bipolar symptoms, both disorders should be treated concurrently from the start of care, and this is one reason why so many clients may benefit from Banyan's dual diagnosis treatment approach combined with Banyan's full range of mental health treatment programs. 

Treatment can involve:

• Individual therapy, focused on mood patterns, triggers, and substance use behaviors
• Mental health care, including medication management for mood stabilization
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and other modalities, focused on coping skills
• Group therapy, focused on support, structure, and peer connections
• Relapse prevention, focused on mood episodes, triggers, sleep disruption, and substance-related triggers
• Psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, addiction, and early warning signs for recurrence
• Family involvement/education where appropriate.

Medication may be important for bipolar disorder treatment, but should always be individually determined and well-monitored. In addition to pharmacological treatments, therapy can play a key role in bipolar disorder and addiction treatment by providing patients with the necessary strategies to cope with symptoms, adherence to the treatment regimen, and decreased desire to self-medicate.

Banyan's Approach to Treating Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Banyan Treatment Centers begin treatment by evaluating mood symptoms, substance use behaviors, medical needs, safety concerns, and current level of functioning in order to build a treatment plan suited to both mental health stability and addiction recovery. Our dual diagnosis treatment approach is designed to provide evidence-based care as well as holistic support. 

The specific treatment approach will vary by individual needs and can consist of one or more of therapy, medication management, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and care coordination across treatment levels. Our overall goal is to help clients stabilize and to develop strategies and support resources for long-term recovery. In some cases, adult clients will transition to Banyan Telehealth bipolar disorder treatment and continued care and step-down planning through Banyan's mental health levels of care.

Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment

The best level of care for an individual will depend upon the severity of the mood symptoms, the level of active substance use, any safety concerns, and the current level of functioning in the person's life. While certain individuals may need more intensive care initially, others may benefit from a step-down treatment approach.

Inpatient Program

Inpatient is a live-in program designed for adults who require close daily monitoring and clinical support.

Partial Hospitalization Program

PHP, otherwise known as a day program, allows individuals who may need intensive clinical support to return home or to a stable housing situation at the end of the day. 

Outpatient treatment

Outpatient is a more flexible program that can provide continued therapy, monitoring, and support. It may work well for adults who have less severe symptoms and/or who are beginning to transition to less intensive levels of care. 

Virtual Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For some adults seeking the stability of structured treatment with the flexibility of remote access, an online program offered through Telehealth may be suitable. If you're looking for in-person care, you can also sift through the various locations of Banyan Treatment Centers in different states.

What to Expect from Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Treatment typically begins with an initial assessment and the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the patient's needs and preferences, you may take part in one-on-one therapy, group therapy, mental health care, medication management, and educational programs on emotional regulation, coping with cravings, sleep hygiene, or relapse prevention planning.

A core part of this process is learning to recognize early signs of emotional or behavioral instability. Patients often practice spotting changes in mood or thinking before they become overwhelming, improving sleep habits, curbing impulsive behaviors, learning ways to cope with cravings, and developing a toolbox of healthier responses to stressors.