Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

At New Directions, we recognize that substance use and mental health challenges often go hand in hand. For many people, addiction isn’t the only struggle; they’re also dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions.

If you’re living with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, you’re not alone. This is called dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorders), and it requires an integrated treatment approach that addresses both issues together.

We provide outpatient dual diagnosis treatment that’s compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. This is very common. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about one-third of people with a mental illness also experience substance abuse.

Each condition can make the other worse. For example:

Someone with anxiety may use alcohol or drugs to feel calmer, leading to dependence.
Someone with depression may struggle to stop using substances because of low motivation or hopelessness.
Trauma survivors may use drugs or alcohol to numb painful memories or emotions.

That’s why treating only one condition isn’t enough. Both need to be addressed at the same time for lasting recovery.

Signs of a Co-occurring Disorder

It’s not always easy to recognize dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder, especially since symptoms can overlap. Some signs may include:

Using substances to cope with anxiety, sadness, or trauma
Worsening depression or anxiety despite substance use
Mood swings or sudden changes in behavior
Problems keeping up with work, school, or family responsibilities
Withdrawing from loved ones or isolating
Difficulty managing emotions without substances
Repeated relapses when trying to stop drinking or using drugs
Feeling trapped in a cycle of substance use and emotional distress

If this sounds familiar, know that you deserve care that addresses the full picture of your health.

Why the Right Treatment Matters

Without integrated treatment, it’s easy to fall into a cycle:

The mental health condition fuels substance use.
Substance use worsens mental health symptoms.
Attempts to treat one without the other lead to relapse or setbacks.

At New Directions, we break this cycle by treating both conditions together, helping you understand how they’re connected and giving you tools to manage both.

Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment

We believe that recovery is deeply personal. Our patient-centered, strength-based approach empowers you to set your own goals and work toward healing at your own pace.

We create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, whether your goal is complete sobriety, harm reduction, or simply feeling more stable and supported.

Treatment may include:

Individual Counseling: One-on-one therapy to explore the relationship between substance use and mental health, build coping skills, and set goals
Group Therapy: Supportive, therapist-led groups focused on topics like relapse prevention, stress management, anger management, and trauma recovery
Psychoeducation: Learning how mental health and substance use affect each other and gaining insight into the recovery process
Medication Management: When appropriate, access to psychiatric evaluations and medications to stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, or manage depression
Peer Recovery Support: Encouragement and guidance from people who’ve experienced dual diagnosis recovery themselves
Family Counseling: Support for loved ones navigating the impact of dual diagnosis.

Why Treatment for Polysubstance Use Is Different

Polysubstance use requires careful medical and therapeutic attention because:

Withdrawal symptoms can be more more severe or unpredictable
Drug interactions may complicate detox
Psychological dependence can involve multiple triggers
Relapse prevention plans must consider more than one substance

Our team is trained to help you navigate these complexities safely, providing integrated, evidence-based care.

Flexible & Accessible
Addiction Treatment in Brooklyn

We know that balancing treatment with daily responsibilities can be challenging. That’s why we offer:

Evening and weekend hours

In-person and virtual appointments

Services in both English and Spanish

Medicaid and most major insurance accepted

No matter your schedule or situation, we make it easier to access the care you deserve.

Start Your Journey Toward Healing

With the right support, guidance, and care, recovery from polysubstance use is possible. At New Directions, our compassionate team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more or speak with an intake coordinator.

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