In many cases, mental health conditions and addiction occur in tandem, creating a cycle of psychological pain and escape. In fact, one-third of clients diagnosed with mental health disorders will also face struggles with alcohol and drug addiction during their lifetimes. Roughly one-quarter of alcoholics – and half of drug addicts – will be diagnosed with a secondary mental health condition. The Avalon Malibu offers multi-dimensional therapy for clients suffering from both addiction and mental health struggles, offering therapeutic interventions founded on the mindfulness principles of present time awareness, acceptance, investigation and change.

Treating Addictive Cycles and Mental Health Issues

Studies have repeatedly shown that simultaneous, integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders and addiction yield the strongest – and longest – results. In order for addiction recovery to take place in a meaningful, lasting manner, mental health issues first must be resolved. Conversely, mental health progress depends on active sobriety, in order to therapeutically treat issues such as personality disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

At Avalon Malibu, we specialize in treating alcoholism and drug addiction in those who simultaneously face secondary mental health conditions. Our team of psychotherapists offers both depth and breadth of clinical expertise, with specialties in trauma-induced disorders as well as treatment of challenging diagnoses, such as schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Following customized treatment plans overseen by our medical director, clients receive concurrent therapy to streamline healing for both psychological issues and addictions. Our compassionate clinical team leads each client through phases of understanding, awareness, insight and change, presenting each client with practical coping skills to promote functional sobriety while guarding against relapse.

Specialized Addiction Treatment for Trauma Survivors

For many survivors, addictions develop out of the impulse to self-medicate these physical and emotional reactions to trauma. Unfortunately, this leaves trauma survivors at a double disadvantage, in an unending and detrimental cycle of psychological numbness, emotional pain, physical fear and addictive cravings.

At the Avalon Malibu, we use psychoeducation and somatic therapy to stabilize clients in the reality of experience. Avalon Malibu guides each client in creating a deepening level of dynamic acceptance, allowing them to peacefully detach from emotions instead of seeking escape through substance abuse. For those experiencing repressed trauma, mindfulness allows traumatic experiences to resurface and heal, reducing fearful, aversive responses in clients. This gentle, focused approach allows trauma survivors to achieve psychological healing through the development of intuitive awareness, empowering clients for purposed living.