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Addiction Therapy in California

What Is Addiction Therapy?

Addiction therapy at New Directions for Women is individual sessions, group, and case management work aimed towards evaluating the relationship with substances. What sets us different from other facilities is our Narrative approach and gender-responsive care. We believe that women seek therapy not because they are broken but because they have a dream of life differently lived. Time and care have been invested in exploring narratives that affect women and larger issues that contribute to the experience of physical dependence. We also know some of the work that women are leaning into requires an environment where staff understand the context of a woman’s life from her perspective. The addiction therapy at NDFW is designed to help individuals explored the relationship to substances, the impact of it, and ways they have already been resilient through it. The therapy explores hidden gems in one’s life where coping, managing, and changing have already existed and we attempt to build on that through questioning and exploration.  

Dual-diagnosis therapy is also an important topic given that many individuals have preceding or co-occurring mental health diagnoses that work with the addiction to make recovery more difficult. Dual-diagnosis therapy works similarly to what is stated above only that in this case we are exploring the impact of more than one narrative. Common diagnoses that we see are: Generalized Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder, Bi-Polar, Adjustment Disorder, and stress-and-trauma related disorders.  

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Narrative therapy is a gender-responsive, respectful, non-blaming form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals separate problems from their personal identity and give voice to ones self outside of the addiction or physical dependence.

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In dialectical behavioral therapy, we focus on the concept of being present in everyday life. This therapeutic approach is designed to offer tools to deal with big emotions. DBT was originally developed to help with emotional stability and consistency. At NDFW we are careful not to tell women that how they handle their emotions are wrong but simply offer tools to manage emotions differently if they are interested.

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Experiential therapy encourages individuals to confront and explore their feelings through expressive activities like art, music, or role-playing. This therapy encourages self-discovery, offering a dynamic, creative alternative to traditional talk therapies. It’s a powerful approach that enables women to tap into their feelings and experiences to heal from addiction.

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We believe that everyone in a family is in relationship with the substances in one way or another. While each family member may not be actually using substances, there is some proximity to the problem. Our family therapy program aims to explore stigma, and stereotypes, and engage healing for each member.

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Our group therapy sessions provide a safe, supportive space for women to share their experiences, learn from others, and establish a sense of community. In these sessions, individuals learn to trust, empathize, and provide support to others, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany addiction.

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Our holistic therapy approach looks beyond the symptoms of physical dependence, treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating techniques such as yoga, meditation, self-care, and each-other care all of which enhance overall well-being and support recovery.

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We provide individual therapy for physical dependence and mental health. In our individual therapy sessions, women work one-on-one with a dedicated therapist to address the effects of substances on the individual’s lives. This personalized, confidential setting allows for curiosity, the separation between self and the substances, and the development of preferred alternative stories.

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Recognizing that past trauma often plays a significant role in addiction, we offer trauma-informed care, treating every woman with an understanding of her experiences and pain. Our aim is to help women heal their trauma, regain control, and find a new sense of hope and purpose, vital for lasting recovery.

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Why Gender Responsive Treatment is Necessary for Addiction Treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that women are more likely to experience anxiety or depression in all age brackets compared to men. The mental distress women face is often related to environmental, psychosocial, and biological variables.

Researchers believe that the biological differences that lead to increased levels anxiety and depression are associated with women’s brain structure and hormones. Another heavily researched aspect is developmental concerns in women. Though not necessarily related to gender, women are more likely to fall victim to social stigma, lower socioeconomic status, and domestic violence.   The stress involved in the issues above may lead women to struggle with addiction and other behavioral health problems. 

At New Directions, we focus solely on the best way to help women overcome addiction. Our programs are designed by women to treat women and take into account the way women deal with and heal from addiction and trauma.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Women

When women are battling addiction, there are commonly other life issues that need attention as well. New Directions is well equipped to give women with a dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorders) the help they need.

A dual diagnosis happens when a mental health disorder coexists with substance abuse. Individuals who suffer from certain conditions may find themselves becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addictions can also simply be related to how the client deals with her situation.

Common co-occurring disorders are:

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Addiction Therapy in California

Get Help at NDFW

Our team of professionals will help you recover and build the life you deserve.Start your recovery journey today. We have many treatment options and also cater to the fact that women often have childcare responsibilities. Breaking down barriers within treatment is essential to us.

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug abuse and addiction, please call us today. You can also reach us by clicking “Contact Us” in our website menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Therapy​

Therapy for substance use disorders is intended for anyone struggling with a relationship with substances.  

Through private sessions, treatment planning, and exploring substance narratives that impact the closeness with substances.  

The duration of addiction therapy varies from person to person. It depends on several factors including the severity of the addiction, the individual’s commitment to recovery, the presence of any co-occurring mental health disorders, and the specific treatment plan developed.

Addiction is considered a chronic disease, similar to diabetes or heart disease, which means it can be managed but not completely “cured.” With the right therapy and ongoing support, individuals can achieve and maintain sobriety, but they must continue to manage their addiction throughout their life.

This varies depending on the type of addiction therapy. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, individuals might work with an addiction counselor to identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier responses. In group therapy, individuals might share experiences and learn from others who are facing similar challenges.

Medication can be used as part of a comprehensive addiction therapy plan. The use of medication in addiction therapy can help to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and treat co-occurring mental health disorders.

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