When someone is struggling with intense mood swings, depression, or anxiety and there’s substance use involved, it can be hard to know what’s really going on. Are the mood issues part of a deeper mental health disorder, or are they being caused by the substance itself?
If you’re trying to make sense of someone’s behavior and wondering what role substances might be playing, this is where a substance-induced mood disorder may come into the picture.
What Is a Substance-Induced Mood Disorder?
A substance-induced mood disorder is when drug or alcohol use causes noticeable changes in a person’s mood. It’s different from conditions like depression or bipolar disorder because the symptoms are directly linked to substance use.
For some people, the symptoms ease with sobriety. For others, especially after long-term use, it can take more time and support to feel stable again.
Substances That Commonly Trigger Mood Disorders
Not all substances affect mood the same way, but some are more likely to cause serious emotional changes, especially with frequent or long-term use. These changes can show up during active use or in the days and weeks after someone stops.
Here are some of the most common substances linked to mood-related symptoms:
- Alcohol
- Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, ADHD medications when misused)
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Marijuana
- Commonly abused prescription medications (steroids, sleep aids, antidepressants in rare cases)
Types of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
Substance-induced mood disorders don’t all look the same. The way they show up depends on the type of substance, how long it’s been used, and how the brain responds. Some people experience long stretches of low mood. Others may cycle between high energy and deep crashes. Below are the most common types and what their symptoms tend to look like.
1. Substance-Induced Depressive Disorder
This type shares many of the same symptoms as major depression. The key difference is that these symptoms start during substance use or withdrawal and are directly tied to it.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Suicidal thoughts
2. Substance-Induced Bipolar Disorder
Sometimes called drug-induced bipolar disorder, this type involves dramatic mood swings or “episodes” that resemble bipolar disorder. These shifts may happen during active use or in the period after stopping.
Symptoms may include:
- Manic episodes: elevated mood, high energy, rapid speech, impulsive or risky behavior
- Depressive episodes: similar to symptoms of substance-induced depression
3. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder (with mood features)
While technically classified as an anxiety disorder, this type often overlaps with mood symptoms, especially during withdrawal or high-stress periods in early recovery. It can be mistaken for a mood disorder when intense worry or agitation is present.
Symptoms may include:
- Panic attacks
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
This type often appears alongside depression or irritability and may shift quickly depending on the person’s substance use patterns.
4. Substance-Induced Mixed Mood Disorder
This involves a mix of both manic and depressive symptoms that can be unstable or change rapidly. Mood swings may happen without clear patterns and are often linked to more complex or long-term substance use.
It may occur with:
- Polysubstance use (e.g., combining stimulants and depressants)
- Cocaine or methamphetamine withdrawal
- Synthetic drugs or hallucinogens (e.g., PCP, ketamine, spice)
Because these symptoms don’t fit neatly into one category, they’re often more difficult to diagnose and more likely to be missed without a full evaluation.
How Substance-Induced Mood Disorders Are Diagnosed
To be diagnosed with a substance-induced mood disorder, a few key things need to line up. The symptoms must be strong enough to clearly disrupt daily life. And just as important, they need to be closely tied to the person’s substance use.
Clinicians look for:
- Prominent and severe mood symptoms, such as deep depression, intense anxiety, or episodes of mania
- Clear evidence of substance use either before the symptoms started or as a trigger that made them worse
- No better explanation from an underlying mental health condition that existed before the substance use began
- Symptom improvement within about a month of stopping the substance, although that timeline can vary depending on the drug, duration of use, and overall health
Diagnosis isn’t based on one conversation or checklist. It takes a full evaluation of the person’s medical history, substance use patterns, and mental health symptoms over time.Â
How Do You Treat Substance-Induced Mood Disorders?
Treatment for substance-induced mood disorders needs to do more than manage symptoms; it has to address both the substance use and the emotional effects that come with it. The right plan depends on what symptoms are present, how severe they are, and how long the person has been using.Â
Here’s how each part of treatment plays a role in long-term recovery.
Medical Detox (when needed)
If someone is still actively using or recently stopped, medical detox is often the first step. It provides a safe, supervised environment to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the body.Â
This is especially important for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, where withdrawal can affect both physical and mental health.
Detox doesn’t treat the mood disorder itself, but it clears the way for deeper work to begin.
Therapy for Mood and Substance Use
Therapy helps with both emotional regulation and substance use patterns. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed therapy can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood swings while also helping the person build coping strategies that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
This kind of therapy is especially useful when the person’s emotional symptoms are tied to past trauma, chronic stress, or negative thought patterns that fuel their substance use.
Medication Options (if symptoms don’t resolve with sobriety)
In some cases, mood symptoms continue even after the person stops using. When that happens, medication may be helpful. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medications can support emotional stability and help regulate brain chemistry during early recovery.
Medication decisions should always be guided by a provider with experience in dual diagnosis care, especially to avoid meds that could increase relapse risk.
Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Care
When someone has both a mood disorder and a substance use disorder, treating one without the other often leads to setbacks. Dual diagnosis programs are designed to treat both at the same time, using coordinated care from mental health and addiction specialists.
This approach reduces gaps in treatment and gives people the tools they need to manage both conditions effectively.
Ongoing Support: Outpatient Care, Peer Support, Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Outpatient programs, support groups, and aftercare planning help people stay grounded and connected as they adjust to life in recovery.Â
This kind of long-term support reduces isolation, strengthens accountability, and helps prevent relapse, especially when symptoms return or stress levels rise.
What to Do If You Think a Loved One Is Struggling
If someone close to you seems stuck in a cycle of substance use and mood changes, it can be hard to know what to say or where to start. Here’s how you can begin to help without trying to fix it all at once:
- Watch for patterns between their mood changes and substance use.
- Start a calm conversation focused on what you’ve noticed and why you’re concerned.
- Encourage a professional evaluation so they can get answers and support.
- Respect your own boundaries while offering help when they’re ready.
Even if they’re not open to help right away, knowing someone cares can make a lasting difference.
Get Help for Substance-Induced Mood Symptoms
If you or someone you love is dealing with mood swings, depression, or anxiety tied to substance use, there is a way forward. The right addiction treatment plan can give you answers, help you feel more stable, and put you on a path toward real recovery.
We’ll guide you through what’s happening, explain your options, and help you figure out the next step. You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment or speak with someone who understands what you’re going through.