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Finding Hope At Holistic Bipolar and Addiction Treatment Centers in Maryland
Living with bipolar disorder tends to feel like an emotional rollercoaster—shifting from deep lows to overwhelming highs. For many, managing these extremes without help can be difficult, leading some to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.[1]
While this may seem like temporary relief, self-medicating often makes both conditions worse over time. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is so important—it addresses both the mood disorder and substance use together. Fortunately, there are trusted bipolar and addiction treatment centers in Maryland that specialize in this kind of comprehensive care.
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Key Points
- Bipolar disorder and substance use often go hand-in-hand and require integrated treatment.
- Using drugs or alcohol as a way to manage mood swings can make both conditions harder to control.
- Dual diagnosis programs help by treating mental health and addiction at the same time.
- A combination of therapy, medication, and ongoing support yields better long-term outcomes
- Bipolar and addiction treatment centers in Maryland provide specialized, full-spectrum care.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition. Dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and behavior mark it. Those with bipolar disorder experience cycles of depression and mania or hypomania. [2] During depressive episodes, they may feel hopeless, fatigued, and disinterested in daily life. During manic or hypomanic episodes, they may feel overly energized, impulsive, or unusually confident, sometimes to the point of risky or harmful behavior.
There are two main types: Bipolar I, which involves full manic episodes that may require hospitalization, and Bipolar II, which includes hypomanic episodes that are less severe but still disruptive, along with more extended periods of depression. [3] Both forms can interfere with relationships, work, and day-to-day functioning.
Roughly 2.8% of U.S. adults are affected by bipolar disorder each year, and many struggle to get an accurate diagnosis or the right kind of care. [4] Without treatment, mood swings can become more frequent or intense over time.
That’s why seeking help from specialized providers, like bipolar treatment centers in Maryland or searching for bipolar therapy near me, can make a meaningful difference in stability and quality of life.
Addiction and Bipolar Disorder
People living with bipolar disorder are much more likely to develop a substance use problem than those without it. [5] The emotional highs and lows that come with bipolar can be intense and exhausting, and without the right support, it’s easy to understand why someone might turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.
Substances like alcohol, stimulants, or opioids might seem like a way to take the edge off depression or keep the energy going during a manic phase.
Instead of helping, substance use usually makes things worse. It can throw mood cycles even further out of balance, make medications less effective, and raise the risk of serious consequences like hospitalization or self-harm.
That’s why it’s so important to get help from a program that understands both sides of the issue. Bipolar and addiction treatment centers are built to treat both conditions at the same time, offering a more stable path to recovery and long-term emotional health.
Signs Someone May Need a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
When bipolar disorder and substance use exist together as co-occurring disorders, it can be hard to untangle where one ends and the other begins.
Some signs a person may need dual diagnosis treatment include rapid shifts in mood, sudden irritability, or engaging in impulsive behavior, especially when those mood swings are paired with drug or alcohol use. [6]
Many people report using substances to try to “even out” their highs and lows that are symptoms of bipolar disorder, but this often backfires, making symptoms more unpredictable and more challenging to manage. This is true with other mental health disorders as well.
Other warning signs include damaged relationships, missing work or school, or feeling like they’re always trying to catch up in life. If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to seek help from treatment facilities for bipolar and co-occurring addiction.
Treating just one issue in isolation isn’t enough—true healing requires integrated care that targets both the mental health and substance use components together
What to Expect at Bipolar and Addiction Treatment Centers in Maryland
If someone is entering a bipolar and addiction treatment center in Maryland, the first step is usually a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This helps the care team understand exactly what they’re dealing with—whether that’s Bipolar I or II, what substances are involved, and how their symptoms affect daily life. From there, their team will build a treatment plan that’s tailored to their specific needs.
Treatment typically includes a mix of medication and both group and individual therapy.[7] Medications may help stabilize mood swings and reduce cravings, with close monitoring to make sure they’re working well for them.
On the therapeutic side, approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care are utilized to help people manage particular triggers, regulate their emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.
They’ll likely also participate in group therapy, educational sessions, and relapse prevention work, providing opportunities to build community, gain insight, and strengthen their recovery skills.
Whether they’re searching for bipolar treatment centers in Maryland or trying to find the right bipolar rehab centers for dual diagnosis support, they can expect a well-rounded, compassionate approach focused on helping them feel more stable, connected, and in control.
Dual Diagnosis Programs at The Freedom Center
At The Freedom Center, we provide a full continuum of care for those struggling with both bipolar disorder and substance use disorders. Our approach combines evidence-based treatment, structure, compassion, and clinical expertise to help individuals stabilize and heal.
Our inpatient treatment program in Buckeystown offers round-the-clock care in a peaceful, home-like setting. Patients in residential treatment follow a structured daily schedule that includes therapy and behavioral health services, psychiatric support, medication management, and peer connection.
In Gaithersburg, we offer step-down outpatient treatment options through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These levels of care allow clients to continue working on their recovery while they’re gradually reintegrating into everyday life.
Services include therapy, life skills training for overall wellness, and regular check-ins with clinicians and mental health providers.
For those who need less intensive care, our standard outpatient services offer continued support through weekly therapy, relapse prevention, and alums programming.
Across all levels, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the substance abuse or mental health diagnosis.
As one of the trusted bipolar and addiction treatment centers in Maryland, The Freedom Center is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting stability and genuine recovery.
Why Professional Help Is Crucial for Bipolar and Addiction
Trying to manage bipolar disorder and addiction without professional support can be dangerous. Untreated bipolar symptoms—especially mania or severe depression—can lead to impulsive decisions, self-harm, or even hospitalization.
Suicide risk is significantly higher for individuals with bipolar disorder, and substance use only increases that danger. [8]
Without proper mood stabilization, relapse is more likely. Even if someone stops using drugs or alcohol, untreated bipolar symptoms can quickly derail recovery. That’s why long-term care, regular medication management, and psychiatric follow-up are essential parts of any treatment plan.
Professional care for long-term recovery can also include family therapy and involvement, as well as structured aftercare. When loved ones are part of the process, clients often feel more supported and accountable.
Planning for life after treatment—through ongoing therapy and healthcare, community support, and relapse prevention—helps people stay on track long after they leave a program.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Get Help Right Now at The Freedom Center
No matter what disorder you might be struggling with or how many, treatment is a possibility. If you are looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, we at The Freedom Center can help. We offer multiple options that can include a dual diagnosis plan. Our medical team will make an assessment in order to design the perfect treatment plan for your needs.
We believe in using every tool possible to help you become addiction-free. Visit our website to learn more about our center, contact us today. We can discuss all of your questions and concerns so you can be sure you are making the best choice for yourself and for your treatment.
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All content produced by The Freedom Center undergoes a detailed evaluation process to ensure accuracy and quality. We only work with medical professionals and individuals with extensive experience in the field, and all content produced undergoes a review process to ensure accuracy.Our goal is to be a reliable resource the recovery community can turn to for information they can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar and Addiction Treatment
Powder cocaine is a hydrochloride salt that’s usually snorted or dissolved and injected.
Crack cocaine is a crystalized form that’s smoked. Crack produces a faster, more intense high, but also wears off quickly, leading to more frequent use. [11]
Both forms are highly addictive, but crack is often associated with a quicker path to dependence due to how rapidly it enters the bloodstream and affects the brain.
Finishing rehab doesn’t mean the journey ends.
At The Freedom Center, the team will help each person develop a personalized recovery plan that lasts. That might include alumni support, sober living connections, and continued therapy.
The goal is that everyone leaves with a roadmap—and a support system—to stay sober and thrive in real life after their time at The Freedom Center.
Signs of bipolar disorder include cycles of extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and deep lows (depression). [9] When alcohol or drug addiction is also present, there may be increased impulsivity, using substances to manage mood swings, or continued drug or alcohol use despite negative consequences. Rapid mood changes paired with substance use are often a clear sign that dual diagnosis treatment for mental health issues may be needed.
Sources
[1] Bolton, J. M., Robinson, J., & Sareen, J. (2008). Self-medication of mood disorders with alcohol and drugs in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Journal of Affective Disorders, 115(3), 367–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2008.10.003
[2] Bipolar disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
[3][7][9][11] What are bipolar disorders? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders
[4] Bipolar disorder. (n.d.-b). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
[5] Unknown. (2016). An introduction to Bipolar Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders. In ADVISORY [Journal-article]. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma16-4960.pdf
[6][10] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-d). Dual diagnosis. https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html
[8] Pike, C. K., Burdick, K. E., Millett, C., & Lipschitz, J. M. (2024). Perceived loneliness and social support in bipolar disorder: relation to suicidal ideation and attempts. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40345-024-00329-8
