Bipolar disorder substance use

Bipolar disorder is highly sensitive to sleep and routine, and alcohol/cannabis can destabilize that rhythm even when they feel calming.
The most common relapse pathway is: short relief → sleep disruption → irritability/impulsivity → mood episode → increased substance use.
Family members are affected through chronic hypervigilance, conflict cycles, and caregiver burnout—so treatment must include the home system.
Recovery becomes realistic when you treat it as dual diagnosis: protect sleep, track patterns, reduce harm, and follow an integrated plan with a clinician.