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Bipolar Disorder Treatment Pennsylvania: Integrated Care for Mood Disorders and Addiction Recovery

Living with bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when mood swings intersect with substance use, stress, or attempts to self-regulate emotional pain. For many people struggling with bipolar disorder, substances such as alcohol or other drugs become a way to cope, which can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. At MPower Wellness, we provide bipolar disorder treatment in Pennsylvania that recognizes the close relationship between mood disorders and addiction.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Singh

1 min read

Updated November 19, 2025

Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Managing Severe Symptoms and Co-Occurring Substance Abuse

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition involving significant fluctuations in mood, energy, and behavior. These shifts can increase vulnerability to substance misuse, particularly during manic or depressive states when judgment, impulse control, or motivation may be affected.

People with bipolar disorder may experience cycles of elevated mood followed by deep emotional lows. During manic and hypomanic episodes, risk-taking behavior and reduced sleep can increase exposure to substances.

During depressive episodes or bipolar depression, substances are sometimes used to numb emotional pain or manage fatigue. Over time, this pattern can lead to co-occurring substance abuse, chemical dependency, or alcohol misuse.

Without integrated care, substance use can worsen symptoms, interfere with medications, and increase the frequency and severity of mood episodes. At MPower Wellness, we help to offer integrated services to intervene with substance misuse and bipolar disorder early, to prevent future complications.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Mood Episodes

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary widely and may shift over a person’s life. Manic symptoms can include elevated energy, impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Depressive symptoms may involve persistent sadness, low motivation, major depression, or mild depression that lingers between episodes.

When you mix bipolar disorder with substance use, mood swings often become more intense and unpredictable. Alcohol or drug use can worsen manic and depressive symptoms, increase emotional instability, and make it harder to identify early symptoms of a mood episode.

This cycle can lead to negative consequences across a person’s life, including strained relationships, legal concerns, and declining physical health.

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Bipolar Disorder, Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions, and Addiction

Bipolar disorder frequently overlaps with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and borderline personality disorder. These layered diagnoses can further increase the risk of substance use as individuals attempt to manage distress, mood instability, or interpersonal challenges.

At MPower Wellness, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, including co-occurring substance use disorder alongside bipolar disorder.

Addressing addiction at the same time as mood disorders is essential for effective treatment, as untreated substance use can undermine progress and lead to repeated mood episodes.

Programs and Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment

Bipolar disorder treatment at MPower Wellness is available across multiple levels of care, allowing individuals to receive support that matches their clinical needs and stability.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our partial hospitalization program offers intensive daily treatment while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. This level of care is well-suited for individuals managing bipolar disorder and early recovery from substance use who need structure without full residential care.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The intensive outpatient program supports individuals who are managing bipolar disorder while working to reduce or stop substance use. IOP allows continued engagement in therapy sessions while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.

Outpatient Treatment Program

Outpatient care provides ongoing support for managing mood symptoms, identifying triggers, and maintaining sobriety. This level of care focuses on long-term treatment, relapse prevention, and healthy routines.

Medication Management and Psychiatric Support

Medication is often a key component of bipolar disorder treatment. Medication management may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic drugs, or other prescription drugs to reduce mood swings and prevent future episodes.

Substance use can interfere with medication effectiveness and safety, which is why careful coordination between psychiatric care and addiction treatment is essential. Our medical team monitors medications closely to support optimal treatment, physical health, and long-term stability.

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Up to 100% of the costs covered by insurance. At MPower Wellness, we accept most insurance plans. Verify your insurance to get information about your coverage.

Therapeutic Approaches for Bipolar Disorder and Recovery

Effective bipolar disorder treatment requires more than symptom management alone. At MPower Wellness, therapy is designed to address the emotional, behavioral, and physical patterns that influence mood stability, substance use, and overall well-being.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy helps individuals explore behavior patterns, emotional responses, and the role substances may play in managing mood. Therapy sessions focus on insight, accountability, and building healthier coping skills that support mood stability and reduce reliance on substances over time.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and impulse control. DBT is especially helpful for individuals who experience intense emotions, risk-taking behavior, or substance cravings during mood episodes, offering practical tools to navigate distress without escalating symptoms.

Family Therapy and Family-Focused Therapy

Family therapy helps loved ones understand bipolar disorder and addiction as interconnected conditions rather than separate struggles. Family-focused therapy strengthens communication, reduces conflict, and builds supportive environments that promote recovery and long-term treatment engagement.

Group Therapy and Support Groups

Group therapy and support groups provide connection, accountability, and shared understanding. These settings help individuals reduce isolation, normalize their experiences, and practice coping strategies while reinforcing recovery-focused behaviors in a supportive community.

Social Rhythm Therapy

Social rhythm therapy emphasizes consistent sleep patterns, daily routines, and stress management. Stability in these areas is especially important for individuals managing bipolar disorder and substance use recovery, as disruptions in routine can trigger mood episodes or cravings.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a trauma-informed therapy that helps individuals process distressing experiences that may contribute to mood instability or substance use. By reducing the emotional intensity of past events, EMDR can support improved emotional regulation and decrease triggers that worsen bipolar symptoms.

Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and emotional experience, helping individuals become more aware of physical sensations linked to stress or mood changes. This approach supports nervous system regulation and can be especially helpful for individuals who experience mood symptoms or cravings on a physical level.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy integrates movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to support emotional balance and physical health. For individuals with bipolar disorder, yoga therapy can help regulate stress responses, improve sleep patterns, and reinforce mind-body awareness that complements ongoing mental health and addiction treatment.

Experiential and Complementary Therapies

Experiential therapies support emotional expression, nervous system regulation, and stress relief through creative and interactive approaches. These therapies complement traditional mental health and addiction treatment by helping individuals process emotions in ways that feel accessible and grounding.

We’re here to walk with you through your options & answer every question.

FAQ: Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Pennsylvania

We can answer any of your questions as you make important decisions about your mental health and substance abuse treatment.

What is the most effective bipolar disorder treatment in Pennsylvania?

The most effective bipolar disorder treatment in Pennsylvania typically includes a combination of medication management, talk therapy, and integrated addiction treatment when substance use is present. Because bipolar disorder affects mood, behavior, and impulse control, optimal treatment is individualized and often involves mood stabilizers, therapy sessions, and long-term support through a licensed treatment center.

Can bipolar disorder treatment help reduce substance abuse and addiction?

Yes. Integrated bipolar disorder treatment can significantly reduce substance abuse by addressing the emotional and behavioral patterns that contribute to self-medication. Treating bipolar disorder and substance use disorder together helps stabilize mood swings, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms.

How do manic and hypomanic episodes affect addiction risk?

Manic and hypomanic episodes can increase addiction risk by impairing judgment, increasing impulsivity, and encouraging risk-taking behavior. During these mood episodes, people with bipolar disorder may be more likely to misuse alcohol or other substances, making early intervention and dual diagnosis treatment especially important.

Is long-term treatment necessary for managing bipolar disorder and substance use?

Yes. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition, and long-term treatment is often necessary to manage symptoms effectively. Ongoing treatment helps individuals maintain stability, manage stress, prevent major depressive episodes, and reduce the risk of substance misuse or chemical dependency over time.

Can a treatment center in Pennsylvania address bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions at the same time?

Yes. Many treatment centers in Pennsylvania, including MPower Wellness, specialize in treating bipolar disorder alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorder. This integrated approach leads to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Why Choose MPower Wellness for Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Pennsylvania

MPower Wellness provides compassionate, evidence-based bipolar disorder treatment in Pennsylvania with integrated addiction treatment at every level of care. We understand that mood disorders and substance use are deeply connected, and our approach is designed to support the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

Living with bipolar disorder and addiction challenges does not define who you are. With the proper treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms, strengthen recovery, and build a life that feels stable and meaningful. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options, verify insurance, or take the next step toward healing and long-term recovery.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, December). Bipolar disorder.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

Preuss, U. W., Schaefer, M., Born, C., & Grunze, H. (2021). Bipolar disorder and comorbid use of illicit substances. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(11), 1256. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111256

To learn more, give us a call, fill out our free insurance form, or send us an email—whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Singh

Dr. Deepraj Singh is a board-certified psychiatrist. She graduated from Albany Medical College and completed her residency at Drexel University. Due to her passion for learning as well as teaching, she joined the Drexel University faculty to teach resident physicians and medical students. She started out her career in emergency psychiatry, but has expanded into working in outpatient, day program, inpatient and targeted case management programs. She is also certified in ECT and TMS. She performed ECT for persons with severe depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. She has always been interested in ways to improve care for her patients. This has led her to pursuing leadership roles such as medical directorships at various outpatient programs and inpatient facilities. These opportunities have allowed her to make changes at an organization level as well as community level. She strives to provide a comfortable atmosphere and a thorough evaluation. She believes in the holistic approach to care, aspires to integrate the biopsychosocial aspects as well physical health, and nutrition into her evaluation and treatment of her patients.