When bipolar disorder and substance use collide

Rehab for bipolar disorder and addiction

Bipolar disorder is complex, especially when addiction is also in the picture. Our inpatient rehab program supports people with bipolar disorder using proven treatment options that address both.

Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.

A woman dressed in black lies on a brown leather couch, looking upward thoughtfully with one hand on her forehead, in a dimly lit room with a maroon wall.

Inpatient rehab for bipolar and substance use

Dual diagnosis care from experienced mental health professionals

Structured daily routine that supports emotional stability

Bipolar disorder treatment using evidence-based methods

A woman sits quietly on a sofa during her inpatient stay at The Hader Clinic, reflecting on the emotional lows of bipolar disorder and beginning her recovery.
Managing bipolar and addiction together

A dual diagnosis approach built around stability

More than half of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder also experience a substance use disorder. When these conditions occur together, they often amplify each other, leading to greater instability, higher relapse risk, and disrupted treatment.

According to the Bipolar Disorder and Comorbid Use of Illicit Substances study, the most effective treatment combines psychiatric and addiction support in one place. Our residential rehab program does exactly that, helping people with bipolar disorder stabilise, reduce reliance on substances, and rebuild emotional structure and insight.

  • Begin in our Geelong hospital with medical detox and psychiatric support to help stabilise mood and manage withdrawal safely
  • Continue in our Essendon residential program, where therapy, structure, and medication work together to promote stability
  • Choose our full 90-day program for the time and consistency needed to manage both bipolar symptoms and substance use

We’ll call it when it suits you, with no pressure to commit

Designed for long-term recovery

What’s included in our bipolar disorder and addiction treatment plans

We offer a structured inpatient setting that balances therapy, medication support, emotional regulation, and behavioural routines. Each program is guided by your needs and diagnosis.

  • Daily group therapy and individual sessions
  • Psychiatric oversight for diagnosis and medication reviews
  • Mindfulness, art therapy, and social rhythm tools
  • Education on relapse prevention and emotional cycles
  • Support for major depression and bipolar depression
  • Evening routines to slow thinking and reduce agitation
More than just bipolar rehab

Help for overlapping mental health conditions

We support clients with complex or unclear diagnoses, including overlapping symptoms like depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

PTSD

Evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. We help people stabilise, reprocess trauma, and build a safer, more connected life.

Schizophrenia

Rehab for schizophrenia requires specialised, integrated care. We treat psychotic symptoms, stabilise mental health, and help people manage addiction together.

Personality disorders

Borderline personality disorder and addiction often go hand in hand. Both can be overwhelming, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. You do not have to face it alone.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use can reinforce each other in ways that make everyday life feel unmanageable. But recovery is possible with the right kind of care.

Domestic Violence

Supportive, trauma-informed addiction rehab for people affected by intimate partner violence (IPV), past or present.

Depression

We support people experiencing depression and addiction with evidence-based, compassionate treatment. Our inpatient program offers integrated support for mental health, substance use, and the stressors behind both.

Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is complex, especially when addiction is also in the picture. Our inpatient rehab program supports people with bipolar disorder using proven treatment options that address both.

Anxiety

Rehab for substance abuse and anxiety treatment

Anger Management

Uncontrolled anger and substance use often go hand in hand. We help clients understand the root of their behaviour, rebuild control, and recover for good.

ADHD

ADHD can make addiction harder to treat but with the right structure, support, and care, recovery is absolutely possible.

What you need to know before starting rehab

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that affects mood, energy, and decision-making. With the right support, people with bipolar disorder can live full and stable lives, including recovery from substance use.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts between episodes of depression and mania. It can affect sleep, energy, focus, and relationships. The disorder may begin during adolescence or adulthood and…

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Symptoms vary by type of bipolar disorder. Common signs include elevated mood, impulsive decisions, rapid speech, agitation, hopelessness, and social withdrawal.

Causes and contributing factors

Bipolar disorder may run in families, and it often appears alongside trauma or addiction. Risk factors include brain chemistry, stress, and sleep disruption.

Diagnosis and treatment options

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, history, and ongoing observation.

Who benefits from bipolar rehab?

Anyone diagnosed with bipolar who is also struggling with addiction, emotional instability, or loss of function. We support clients with clear diagnoses, mixed features, or early-stage episodes.

CONFIDENTIAL SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

Worried about your drinking or drug use?

This short, confidential quiz takes less than two minutes and can help you make sense of what’s going on. Choose the category that feels most relevant to you — whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a mix of concerns — and we’ll guide you through a few simple yes/no questions.

At the end, we’ll let you know if your answers suggest it might be time to consider rehab, and share safe, confidential options for getting started.

Take the quiz now
From stabilisation to long-term support

A structured pathway with coordinated care

We offer a full pathway of care, beginning with inpatient rehab and extending into transitional housing, outpatient therapy, and digital aftercare. Each program is coordinated to ensure continuity and stability across every stage of your recovery.

Our team helps you transition from detox and stabilisation into therapeutic treatment and then back into daily life with tools, insight, and confidence.

Residential program

Live-in rehab with structured support, therapy, and life skills training in a safe, recovery-focused setting.

Young couple holding hands during a counselling session, seeking support through family and relationship therapy.

Family Program

Education, group support, and counselling to help families understand addiction and support their loved one’s recovery.

Woman participating in a virtual recovery session from home, engaging in structured therapy through the Hader at Home online rehab program

Hader at Home

A fully digital recovery program with daily check-ins, online therapy, and self-guided workbooks for post-rehab care.

Brunette woman smiling and sharing a personal breakthrough during group therapy, celebrating progress in her outpatient recovery journey.

Intensive outpatient program

Structured addiction support with therapy, group sessions, and relapse prevention, designed to fit around daily life.

A male resident chats with his rehab counsellor.

Counselling

Trauma-informed therapy, addiction counselling, and family support available in person or via secure online sessions.

Woman embracing her partner after a heartfelt intervention at home, offering support and encouragement as he agrees to seek help for addiction.

Interventions

Professional support to help families stage a safe, structured intervention and guide their loved one into treatment.

View from a private luxury residence looking out onto a sandy backyard and beachfront, with loungers and tropical landscaping designed for peaceful, discreet recovery.

Executive rehab

Private, one-on-one treatment in a luxury setting with complete discretion and a personalised recovery schedule.

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DVA rehab

Specialised trauma-informed inpatient care for veterans and first responders, fully funded for eligible DVA clients.

A resident sitting on a couch in a shared space, working on his personal journal as part of his court-ordered rehabilitation.

Court-ordered rehab

Structured inpatient program with detox, therapy, and forensic reporting to meet bail or sentencing requirements.

Man in transitional housing tying his shoelaces as he prepares for a new day of work, rebuilding structure and independence after inpatient rehab.

Transitional housing

Recovery-focused accommodation with therapy, structure, and support to bridge the gap between rehab and independent living.

Supportive group therapy session at a medical detox centre, where diverse clients share their experiences and a psychologist gently encourages a new participant

Hospital detox

24/7 medically supervised detox in a licensed private hospital, including withdrawal support and psychiatric care.

Safe, supported, and tailored to you

Our admissions process

Step1

Talk to a mental health professional

We’ll help you clarify your goals, explore your treatment options, and determine if our program is the right fit.

Step2

Get an intake plan designed for your needs

We’ll create a personalised treatment plan that fits your timeline, your symptoms, and your level of support.

Step3

Begin your program with expert guidance

Whether you're starting with detox, rehab, or transitional care, we’ll support you from day one.

We’re here whenever you’re ready – book a call or speak to someone now.

A rehab program that actually works

What makes our bipolar rehab unique

Our rehab program was designed for people with bipolar disorder, not retrofitted. That means therapy, routines and support are all structured to reduce chaos, regulate mood, and help clients build a daily rhythm they can maintain.

Purpose-built for dual diagnosis

We treat bipolar disorder and addiction together with a clinical framework that supports both.

Structure without rigidity

Daily routine, therapeutic rhythm and flexibility for clients experiencing instability or overwhelm.

Stabilisation and medication support

Our psychiatric team supports medication reviews and emotional regulation throughout the program.

Designed for real-world recovery

Clients leave with structure, insight and relapse prevention tools that support long-term change.

A full suite of rehab services

More than bipolar treatment

We support a wide range of substance use and mental health conditions. Whether you're dealing with alcohol, prescription drugs, or behavioural dependencies, our team can help you move forward with care that fits.

Alcohol rehab

Individualised programs that address the physical, emotional, and behavioural impacts of alcohol dependence.

Drug rehab

Structured, supportive inpatient programs for a range of illicit and prescription drugs.

Emergency rehab

Fast-tracked admission options for people in crisis who need urgent, stabilising care.

Relapse prevention

Practical, real-world strategies to manage triggers, avoid setbacks and maintain long-term recovery.

Evidence-based, client-focused, accredited

We meet the highest national standards

We’re fully accredited under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).

Real people, real change

Stories from our clients

We treat individuals, not statistics. Every recovery journey is different, and each one reveals what’s possible with the right support. Read honest, hopeful stories from our clients and their loved ones.

Ali Ademi

After years of trauma, addiction, and loss, Ali found the strength to rebuild his life through the support of a compassionate team, a sense of community, and a commitment to long-term healing.

Minh

After 32 years of addiction, Minh Pham found hope, healing, and a new path at The Hader Clinic. His journey is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and courage.

Peter El-Khouri

After multiple relapses, Peter found long-term recovery with Hader. Read how therapy, community and clinical care helped him reclaim his life.

A safe place to recover

Facilities and locations

We provide inpatient care and transitional housing across two residential sites in Victoria. Both are calm, private, and purpose-designed to support therapeutic structure and mental health recovery.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and Transitional Housing program

Essendon
150-152 Cooper St, Essendon VIC 3040

Hospital Rehabilitation Centre for 28-Day Withdrawal & Detox Program

Geelong
6-8 Townsend Road,St Albans Park VIC 3219

83%

Clients who complete our 90-day program remain sober at 12 months.

72%

Clients enrol in Hader@Home aftercare or transitional housing to support long-term engagement and reduce relapse risk.

60%

Clients who access structured aftercare are significantly more likely to maintain recovery and avoid relapse.

50%

Half of all people with addiction also have a co-occurring mental health condition, highlighting the need for dual diagnosis support.

Evidence that backs our approach

Bipolar rehab outcomes that matter

We track more than attendance. Our outcome data focuses on long-term emotional stability, relapse prevention, and improved daily functioning for people with bipolar disorder.

View our sources below:

Start your recovery with expert support

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Whether you’re asking for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to listen, guide and support your next step.

Take a free online assessment

Take a quick, private quiz to see if rehab could help and explore safe support options.

Book a free chat

 Schedule a confidential call with a specialist at a time that suits you.

Call us now

 Speak to someone immediately for guidance and support.

Flexible, inclusive and transparent

Rehab costs and funding options

We offer several funding pathways and can help you explore the best option (or combination of options) based on your needs and eligibility.

Rehab costs 

Our pricing covers every part of your inpatient stay, including accommodation, meals, therapy, clinical care, medication reviews and discharge planning.

Explore rehab options

Funding options 

We accept a range of payment options, including private health insurance, superannuation release, DVA, and tailored payment plans. We’ll help you find what works.

Learn more about funding costs
The team behind your recovery

Clinical, compassionate and experienced

Our staff includes psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, peer workers and case managers, many of whom have lived experience with addiction and mental health recovery.

Dr. Yohannes, the resident clinical psychologist at The Hader Clinic’s private hospital.
Richard Smith, program director and founder of The Hader Clinic.
The team behind your recovery

About The Hader Clinic

We’ve supported Australians with addiction and mental health conditions for more than 25 years. Our programs are trauma-informed, clinically accredited and shaped by real-world experience.

Support for yourself or someone else

Rehab for every kind of journey

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting someone you love, we’ll guide you toward the right program, explain your options, and support you from day one.

Rehab for yourself

Individualised programs for people living with bipolar and addiction who are ready to stabilise, recover, and build a better future.

Woman sits curled on a couch by a bright window, appearing reflective and concerned

Rehab for a loved one

Programs, advice and emotional support for those trying to help someone with bipolar and substance use challenges.

A couple sits together in a therapist’s office, listening with concern and support
Learn more about bipolar and recovery

Articles that go deeper

These blogs explore the complexities of bipolar disorder, substance use, dual diagnosis and real-world recovery. They’re written to support your next step with honest, evidence-informed insight.

A safe place to begin

You don’t need to do this alone

If you’re ready for help, or even just curious about what’s next, we’re here. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you love, we’ll guide you through the options and support your next step.

Speak to someone who understands

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Get the clarity you need

Frequently asked questions

Can bipolar disorder and substance use really be treated together?

Yes. Bipolar disorder and substance use often occur together, and they must be treated together. Research shows that individuals with bipolar disorder who also struggle with addiction have higher relapse rates and poorer outcomes unless both conditions are addressed at the same time.

Our rehab program provides integrated treatment for bipolar disorder and substance abuse. That includes psychiatric oversight, therapeutic support, medication stabilisation and addiction-focused care, all in one setting. This kind of comprehensive treatment plan is essential for people dealing with bipolar disorder and substance use, because each condition affects the other.

We also support co-occurring issues like anger management, anxiety, and PTSD, which are common in people with dual diagnoses.

If you’d like to learn more about how bipolar disorder and addiction often overlap, our blog on substance abuse and comorbidity explains the importance of integrated care and why treating both conditions together is so crucial.

What if I don’t have a formal diagnosis yet?

You don’t need to have an existing diagnosis to begin treatment. Many people come to us unsure if they meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or whether they’re experiencing another mental health condition.

We start by listening. Our intake and assessment process includes time with a mental health professional who will help you understand your symptoms and explore treatment options that suit your situation.

Whether you're dealing with episodes of mania and depression or symptoms that don’t fit neatly into a label, we’ll guide you toward the right path. You don’t need a diagnosis to get help — just a willingness to start the conversation.

Will this program help with bipolar II or mixed episodes?

Yes. Our program supports people with bipolar I, bipolar II, and mixed presentations. People with bipolar II disorder often struggle with extended depressive episodes and periods of elevated mood that don't reach full mania, but are still highly disruptive.

We also support clients experiencing complex cycles, mood instability, and overlapping symptoms that don’t fit neatly into one form of bipolar. If you're unsure whether you have bipolar II, a milder form of bipolar disorder, or something else entirely, we’ll support you with assessment, stabilisation, and personalised care planning.

If you're currently experiencing a mixed episode — where symptoms of mania or depression happen at the same time — we can help you reduce overwhelm, establish structure, and feel safe again.

What if I’ve tried treatment before and it didn’t work?

Many individuals with bipolar disorder have tried treatment before, and that doesn’t mean recovery isn’t possible. Sometimes the approach wasn’t the right fit. Sometimes it wasn’t integrated, or it didn’t address co-occurring issues like addiction.

At Hader, we offer long-term treatment of bipolar disorder with wraparound support. That means we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, and we provide a consistent team and stable environment across every stage of care.

We also work closely with family members through our family program to rebuild relationships and offer insight into the lived experience of mental health and addiction.

Recovery can look different for everyone, and the structure of a rehab program plays a big role in success. If you're curious about what to expect, our article on what happens in rehab offers a detailed breakdown of the daily routine, therapies, and support systems that help clients build long-term recovery.

How long does rehab for bipolar typically take?

That depends on your symptoms, your substance use history, and your recovery goals. Many people with bipolar and related disorders benefit from a longer stay, especially if they’re experiencing ongoing instability or struggling to manage bipolar disorder day to day.

At Hader, we recommend at least 30–90 days of inpatient care, followed by transitional support and aftercare. This long-term rehab pathway is especially useful for those with disrupted sleep, frequent mood episodes, or poor treatment adherence.

You can learn more about our long-term rehab options and get help creating a timeline that suits you.

What therapies do you use to treat bipolar disorder?

We combine structured therapies with medication support and emotional regulation. Every client receives a personalised treatment plan built around their symptoms and goals.

Common approaches include CBT, mindfulness, and interpersonal therapy. For some clients, we also use alcohol rehab or drug rehab streams if substance use is a core issue.

We also use social rhythm therapy to help stabilise sleep, structure and energy levels. This is a highly effective approach for treating bipolar depression and managing the highs and lows of bipolar.

Will I still have access to care after I leave?

Yes. Ongoing treatment is a critical part of managing bipolar disorder. We offer several aftercare options — including counselling, online therapy, and relapse prevention planning.

You’ll work with your team before discharge to create a comprehensive treatment plan that supports stability, medication adherence and long-term change. We’ll also help you re-engage with work, study, or community life as part of your recovery process.

Whether you're living with anxiety, adjusting to life after rehab, or still building support networks, we stay in touch and stay involved.

Supporting someone with bipolar disorder and addiction after rehab can be challenging. If you’re unsure how to approach it, our guide on how to convince an addict to go to rehab offers practical tips for families and friends navigating the early stages of recovery together.

Can you help if I’m experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Yes. Many individuals with bipolar disorder experience suicidal thoughts, especially during depressive episodes or mixed states. You are not alone, and support is available. Our inpatient rehab setting provides immediate structure, clinical supervision, and daily therapy to reduce risk and build emotional safety. Treatment can help you move from crisis to recovery. If you’re thinking about suicide, reach out. We’ll help you take the next step safely.