Research has found a strong connection between bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Estimates show that up to 45% of individuals with bipolar disorder also engage in alcohol abuse.[i] Even on its own, bipolar can be a difficult diagnosis to handle. And when substance abuse of any kind is added to the list of problems, treatment and recovery become even more complicated.

Alcohol is known to intensify bipolar disorder due to its sedating effects. It acts similarly to some medications, risking feelings of depression with each swig of alcohol. Alcohol also greatly increases the severity of mania, which many who suffer from bipolar find extremely pleasurable.