--- title: The Connection Between Bipolar and Addiction description: The Clearing CEO Joe Koelzer discusses the connection between bipolar and addiction and the most effective counseling approaches. Visit our website for more. image: https://www.theclearingnw.com/hubfs/ThinkstockPhotos-519227078-4.jpg --- [![20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78](https://www.theclearingnw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78.png?width=215&name=20130627_TheClearing_Logo_WhiteType_Transparent_215x78.png)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/) - [Home](https://www.theclearingnw.com) - [Program](https://www.theclearingnw.com/substance-abuse-programs) - [What We Treat](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/what-we-treat) - [Dual Diagnosis](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/what-we-treat/dual-diagnosis) - [Underlying Core Issues](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/how-were-different/underlying-core-issues) - [Our Non 12 Step Program](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/non-12-step-rehab) - [Spiritual Psychology](https://www.theclearingnw.com/spiritual-psychology) - [Testimonials](https://www.theclearingnw.com/rehab-reviews-and-testimonials) - Resources - [Video Resource Center](https://www.theclearingnw.com/program/addiction-treatment-video-resource-center) - [Recovery Resources](https://www.theclearingnw.com/recovery-resources) - [Blog](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog) # The Connection Between Bipolar and Addiction Post Date August 17, 2016 Author [Caroline McGraw](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/author/caroline-mcgraw) Subscribe to blog: click here to subscribe ### Subscribe by Email Sign up for weekly updates Close ![Inner Child and Bi-Polar Disorder](https://www.theclearingnw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/ThinkstockPhotos-519227078.jpg?width=260&name=ThinkstockPhotos-519227078.jpg "Inner Child and Bi-Polar Disorder") Did you know that there’s a significant overlap between bipolar disorder and substance abuse? 56% of people with bipolar also struggle with addiction.   According to [DualDiagnosis.org:](http://www.dualdiagnosis.org/bipolar-disorder-and-addiction/) - 56% of people with bipolar disorder experienced drug or alcohol addiction during their lifetime - 46% of that group abused alcohol or were addicted to alcohol - 41% had abused drugs or were addicted to drugs - Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among people with bipolar disorder More than half of those who live with bipolar have also lived with addiction. As such, [dual diagnosis](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/alcohol-and-depression-common-companions-of-dual-diagnosis) - that is, a mental health issue coupled with a substance addiction - is the rule rather than the exception. The realization that there’s a strong interplay between bipolar and addiction prompts more questions. For example, you may be wondering - *If I have bipolar and substance abuse issues, what type of therapy do I need?* - *What approaches are effective?* - *Where does past trauma come into the equation?* - *How can I address both bipolar disorder and addiction and heal on all levels?*   [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Caroline McGraw](https://www.theclearingnw.com/hubfs/Caroline%20Garnet%20McGraw%20Bio%20Photo%20Small%20400%20x%20400.jpg) This post was written by [Caroline McGraw](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/author/caroline-mcgraw) In addition to her work as "the voice of The Clearing", Caroline Garnet McGraw writes about trading perfectionism for possibility at [A Wish Come Clear](https://awishcomeclear.com/start-here/). Visit and receive your free Perfectionist Recovery Toolkit today! [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/awishcomeclear) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/awishcomeclear) ### Related posts: - [Addiction and Psychosocial Development in Early Childhood](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/psychosocial-development-early-childhood-sets-stage-addiction) - [Addiction & Chronic Relapse: Why Long Term Sobriety Eludes Some People](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/addiction-chronic-relapse-why-long-term-sobriety-eludes-some-people) - [PTSD and Alcoholism](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/ptsd-and-alcoholism) - [What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/co-occurring-disorders) - [What Are Judgments? How Do They Relate to Addiction?](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/what-are-judgements) Search this site Search ***Subscribe by Email*** Sign up for weekly updates ### Popular Posts ### Follow Us ### Categories - [All Mental Health (54)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/all-mental-health) - [All Rehab & Treatment (73)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/all-rehab-treatment) - [Depression (8)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/depression) - [Detox Resources (19)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/detox-resources) - [Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment (16)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/drug-alcohol-addiction-treatment) - [Dual Diagnosis (59)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/dual-diagnosis) - [Emotional Health (14)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/emotional-health) - [Family / Loved One Resources (15)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/family-loved-one-resources) - [Inpatient Treatment (14)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/inpatient-treatment) - [Limiting Beliefs (5)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/limiting-beliefs) - [Non 12 Step Treatment (16)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/non-12-step-treatment) - [Spirituality (6)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/spirituality) - [Substance Abuse (15)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/substance-abuse) - [Suicide (4)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/suicide) - [The Clearing (16)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/the-clearing) - [Trauma (5)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/trauma) - [Treatment Cost and Payment (6)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/treatment-cost-and-payment) - [Treatment Resources (37)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/treatment-resources) - [Videos (15)](https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/topic/videos) see all categories ### Top 10 Rehab Blog The Clearing’s Blog was recently ranked one of the ten best rehab blogs on the internet. 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