The diagnosis landed hard.
Not because it was wrong—but because part of you already knew.
Bipolar disorder. Addiction. Two labels that suddenly made the last few years make more sense—and feel more terrifying.
It wasn’t just the drinking, the crashes, or the weeks without sleep. It was the way your brain sped up and wouldn’t let go. The way nothing could stop the high until it collapsed into fog. The way recovery never seemed to stick.
Now you’re here, newly diagnosed, wondering if help means surrender. You’re afraid of being medicated into a version of yourself you won’t recognize. You’re wondering if you have to disappear into some sterile “program” to be okay again.
Let’s pause there.
Because you’re allowed to feel scared. You’re allowed to feel unsure. And you’re also allowed to get support that actually fits.
That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) comes in. It’s not a lock-in. It’s not a loss of identity. It’s a space to stabilize, safely, while keeping your agency intact.
At Foundations Group Recovery Center in Upper Arlington, we help people navigate dual diagnoses—without shame, without force, and without ignoring the nuance that makes you, you.
What Does “Dual Diagnosis” Really Mean?
A dual diagnosis means you’re living with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition—like bipolar disorder.
And no, this doesn’t make you “more broken.” It means your brain has been trying to cope with pain in more than one way.
In fact, the link between addiction and bipolar disorder is incredibly common. Studies suggest that over half of individuals with bipolar disorder will experience addiction at some point.
Why? Because the pain swings both ways. When you’re manic, the high feels like flying—but you crash. When you’re depressed, it can feel like your body has been shut off. Drugs and alcohol aren’t the cause—they’re the coping strategy. That doesn’t make them harmless, but it does mean your addiction deserves context, not condemnation.
What a Partial Hospitalization Program Actually Does
PHP is a step between full inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy. You come during the day, often five days a week, for 5–6 hours a day. Then you go home at night.
Here’s what makes PHP powerful for dual diagnosis:
- Daily structure to steady the mood swings and break the isolation
- Integrated care that treats your bipolar disorder and addiction—at the same time
- Therapists and psychiatrists who coordinate, so you don’t get two different stories
- Medication support that’s collaborative, not coercive
- Real group therapy, where people talk about what recovery really feels like
- Skill-building to manage triggers, moods, cravings, and relationship stress
At Foundations, you’re not reduced to a diagnosis. You’re understood as a full human being.
“But What If I Don’t Want Meds?” (Or I’m Scared They’ll Change Me)
You’re not alone in that fear.
Plenty of clients come to us terrified that medication will erase their personality. That they’ll lose their creativity, their spark, or their sense of self. Especially after a bipolar diagnosis, many people associate meds with dullness, dependence, or defeat.
“I thought meds would make me flat. What actually happened? I could breathe. I could think. I still felt like myself—but not a version of me on fire.”
– Foundations Client, 2023
Here’s our promise:
We will never push medication without informed consent.
We will never shame you for being scared.
We will answer your questions and support your right to say “not yet.”
The goal is stability, not sedation. And the process is collaborative, not controlling.
Treating Bipolar Without Ignoring the Addiction (And Vice Versa)
Let’s be blunt: lots of programs focus on either mental health or addiction—but not both.
So what happens?
- You go to addiction treatment, and they miss your mania.
- You get help for bipolar, and they tell you to “just stop using.”
- You ping-pong between systems that don’t talk to each other.
Foundations does it differently.
We believe relapse prevention only works if we treat the mood episodes that drive the cravings. We believe mental health stability requires sobriety, and the tools to maintain it under stress.
When you enter PHP here, your care plan includes:
- Dual diagnosis specialists
- Mood tracking and relapse triggers mapped together
- Coping strategies that address both swings and cravings
- Education that connects the science to your experience
You’re never asked to split yourself in half.
How PHP Helps You Build a Life That Feels Possible
Early recovery—especially after a bipolar diagnosis—can feel like a blur. You may question everything. How to work. How to socialize. How to trust your own thoughts.
PHP gives you space to rebuild—without rushing.
Over a few weeks, many clients start to:
- Sleep more consistently
- Feel moods begin to level out
- Reduce impulsive decisions
- Feel safer inside their own minds
- Gain vocabulary for what they’re experiencing
- Connect with peers who’ve been there too
And yes—some days are hard. But they’re held. And you’re not alone through them.
“I Didn’t Think Anyone Would Understand Both Sides of Me”
“I was always either too ‘addicted’ for mental health treatment or too ‘bipolar’ for addiction treatment. PHP was the first time I didn’t have to split myself to be taken seriously.”
– Former Dual Diagnosis PHP Client
You don’t have to perform wellness. You don’t have to hide the part of you that’s scared to trust again.
You just have to be willing to take one step.
And if you’re in Franklin County, Columbus, or Upper Arlington, our team is ready to meet you there.
FAQs: PHP, Addiction, and Bipolar Care
Can I attend PHP if I’ve never done treatment before?
Yes. PHP is often a good place to start, especially for people who need more than weekly therapy but don’t want or need inpatient care.
Will I be forced to stop using immediately?
We’ll work with you to reduce harm and set a plan that prioritizes safety. Our goal is to help you build stability—not punish you for being human.
What if I’ve had a bad experience with psychiatric meds?
That’s valid. We’ll explore your past history, listen to your concerns, and collaborate with you on what might work differently this time.
How long will I need PHP?
Most people stay in PHP for 2–6 weeks, depending on their needs. Many step down to IOP (Intensive Outpatient) afterward to keep momentum going.
Will my family be involved?
Only if you want them to be. We offer family sessions for those who want support re-building trust or navigating communication breakdowns.
Ready to Be Seen as a Whole Person?
Call (888)501-5618 or visit Partial Hospitalization Program services in Upper Arlington, OH to learn more.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let us walk with you.
