Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and alcohol use, know that help is available.

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The content on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Bipolar disorder, alcohol use, and related conditions require care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not begin, stop, or adjust any medications or treatment plans without first consulting your doctor.

• The large 2024 cohort study found that drinking increases were tied to later mood symptoms in both subtypes—but the association with mania/hypomania and work functioning was even more pronounced in bipolar II.
• The researchers found that there was a greater familial association between alcoholism and bipolar disorder (odds ratio of 14.5) than between alcoholism and unipolar depression (odds ratio of 1.7).
• According to a 2020 review, 24% to 44% of people with bipolar disorder have developed alcohol use disorder at some point in their life.
• Studies suggest genetic overlaps between bipolar disorder and alcoholism, particularly in CLOCK and DRD2 genes, which influence circadian rhythms and reward processing.Environmental factors such as childhood trauma further increase vulnerability.
• The relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder is complex and multifaceted, raising questions about whether alcohol can trigger or exacerbate bipolar symptoms.
• Over time, this interference can lead to heightened emotional volatility, making it harder for individuals to maintain stable moods.

Alcohol-Induced Manic or Depressive Episodes

Your treatment plan may or may not include an antidepressant, depending on your specific symptoms and needs. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that causes distress or impairs your ability to function at work, school, home, or bipolar disorder and alcohol in other areas of life. Psychological interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation) can effectively reduce depressive symptoms and the possibility of them coming back. On the contrary, during a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty).

Habits for Proper Mental Health

Medication management is carefully coordinated by licensed professionals to stabilize mood while supporting long-term sobriety. In addition, our structured recovery programs emphasize relapse prevention, daily routines, and peer accountability, which are especially beneficial for individuals navigating both bipolar I disorder and alcohol addiction. Family involvement and education help create a supportive environment for lasting recovery, while holistic therapies nurture mind, body, and spirit. With our continuum of care, clients can move through detox, residential treatment, and outpatient support seamlessly, receiving the individualized attention they need. Nova Recovery Center is committed to empowering each person with tools for sustainable recovery and improved quality of life.

Plus, bipolar disorder patients who drink heavily are at a greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder, complicating their overall mental health. Because evidence suggests that active drinking may worsen bipolar symptoms, it makes sense that medications designed to decrease alcohol consumption may be useful in bipolar alcoholics. Naltrexone (ReVia™) is an FDA-approved medication designed to decrease cravings for alcohol. Maxwell and Shinderman (2000) reviewed the use of naltrexone in the treatment of alcoholism in 72 patients with major mental disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression.

Alcohol-induced mania vs. spontaneous mania:

• Finally, other researchers have suggested that alcohol use and withdrawal may affect the same brain chemicals (i.e., neurotransmitters) involved in bipolar illness, thereby allowing one disorder to change the clinical course of the other.
• Plus, bipolar disorder patients who drink heavily are at a greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder, complicating their overall mental health.
• Criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, on the other hand, do not include the craving and lack of control over drinking that are characteristic of alcoholism.

Healthcare providers must remain vigilant in screening for substance use in patients with bipolar disorder and offer comprehensive, integrated care to address both conditions effectively. One of the most concerning aspects of alcohol consumption in the context of bipolar disorder is its ability to trigger manic or depressive episodes. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can lead to impulsive behaviors—a hallmark of manic episodes.

Since poor sleep is a known trigger for mood episodes in bipolar disorder, this disruption can create a vicious cycle, further destabilizing mood and increasing the risk of relapse. Many individuals with bipolar disorder and drinking behavior use alcohol to self-medicate for symptoms of mania, depression, or anxiety. However, this often leads to a cycle of alcohol dependence, where drinking worsens symptoms, creating more intense mood swings and emotional instability. While alcohol abuse does not directly cause bipolar disorder, it can worsen the symptoms of existing mood disorders.

Alcohol use disorder commonly co-occurs with mood disorders like bipolar disorder, as well as anxiety and depression. Mat Gorman is an experienced mental health writer and medical researcher with over a decade of experience in addiction recovery education. He specializes in translating complex clinical topics into clear, compassionate content that empowers families and individuals seeking treatment. Mat has collaborated with recovery centers, licensed therapists, and physicians to publish evidence-based resources across the behavioral health space. His passion for helping others began after witnessing the struggles of loved ones facing substance use disorder. He now uses his platform to promote hope, clarity, and long-term healing through accurate, stigma-free information.

Take Control of Your Recovery with Asana Recovery

Some people need to participate in a medically supervised detox program to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be potentially life threatening in cases of long-term heavy alcohol use. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can also prevent alcohol use disorder, which is a pattern of alcohol use that can impair your mental and physical health, day-to-day activities, and relationships. Several factors – including biological (e.g. genetic), psychological, social and structural factors – may contribute to its onset, trajectory and outcomes. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.

Lithium and carbamazepine also need to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding whenever possible. Alcohol use increases impulsivity, which is a tendency to act without thinking about the risks or consequences first. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand. That’s practical leverage for shared decision‑making (e.g., aligning drinking goals with career priorities). Get signed up today and discover how to unlock the grip of addiction and get back to living your best life.

Can alcohol trigger bipolar disorder?

Patients must be educated about these risks and encouraged to avoid alcohol to maintain stability. Finally, alcohol disrupts neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. Chronic alcohol exposure impairs neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus, a region critical for mood regulation. This reduction in neuroplasticity can hinder the brain’s resilience to stress and mood fluctuations, potentially triggering bipolar symptoms.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population and often starts in early adulthood. Another critical neurochemical change relates to dopamine, a neurotransmitter central to reward and motivation pathways. Alcohol increases dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway, reinforcing drinking behavior. Over time, this can lead to dysregulation of dopamine systems, which are already implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.