Tryingtobehappy5, that sucks that you got to your far away pdoc's office only for them not be there, especially since you were willing to talk about what's happening. Please keep communicating the truth of what's happening and don't give up!

An intensive day program could be quite helpful for you. Does that program offer support specifically for people with mental illness combined with addictions/abuse (dual diagnosis)? Does that program offer psychiatrist visits along with therapy?

I know first hand how difficult it is to quit abusing alcohol while trying to get my bipolar under control. One feeds the other. But I eventually did get both under control, especially the alcohol abuse.

I'm not sure how helpful DBT is for dual diagnosis (bipolar/abuse). I attended DBT in Intensive Outpatient programs, but not during times I struggled with alcohol abuse. During my early treatment, I went to a more traditional Intensive outpatient program. My thoughts on DBT are that as long as DBT is combined with some process group and/or addiction counseling it may be helpful during early dual recovery. If the DBT is strictly DBT skills training, it may not get at the root of the problem sufficiently. DBT is helpful for bipolar disorder, but is not the best for bipolar in terms of specific coping needs/skills for bipolar disorder. I also think that DBT skills alone may not cut the mustard for addictions issues. If the DBT is suggested, you may want to ask if a process group and addiction session are also included in that suggested program.

There are meds that may be able to help with alcohol cravings. I tried two in the long ago past and found one somewhat helpful. However, stabilizing moods is the most important goal and getting help to find ways to cope in healthier ways than alcohol/drugs.

It's hard to fully stabilize moods when drinking. That's why both mental health and addiction/abuse should ideally be addressed at the same time.