Free by the Sea, located in the State of Washington, focuses on providing patients with the highest standard of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. We know that many people suffer from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, individuals who are living with a dual diagnosis like this rarely get the attention and treatment that they need.
But, here at Free by the Sea, we work to help those who are dealing with the effects of substance dependence and mental illness. We understand that there is a strong connection between substance abuse and bipolar disorder, so we’ve developed a specialized program to handle the specific needs of people who struggle with bipolar disorder. Free by the Sea offers counseling that provides bipolar patients with a high degree of treatment and the best possible odds of recovery.
A variety of conditions fall under the bipolar disorder category. People who suffer from bipolar disorders endure an enormous range of emotional ups and downs. The emotional experience may involve severe depression lasting weeks or months at a time, as well as episodes of mania that cause erratic, high-risk behaviors and extreme energy levels. Individuals who have received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder are often diagnosed with type I, type II, or cyclothymic disorder.
Type I Bipolar Disorder: Those who suffer from type I bipolar disorder often experience manic episodes that last for about 7 days or more. The symptoms of mania are severe enough to hospitalize those suffering from them. Depressive periods last for approximately 2 weeks or more. In some cases, people may experience symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.
Type II Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes in addition to hypomanic episodes. In essence, individuals who suffer from bipolar II disorder experience depression and mania. However, the manic symptoms are not as severe as they are for those who suffer from bipolar I disorder.
Cyclothymic Disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this disorder is characterized by symptoms that do not fall under the categories of type I and type II bipolar disorder. Hypomanic and depressive periods generally last for 2 years.
Those who suffer from bipolar disorder frequently experience overwhelming periods of depression followed by the high energy and euphoria caused by mania. The mood swings tend to cycle in such a way that the patient feels helpless and unable to control themselves. Some of the symptoms of each stage are as follows:
People who are living with this condition frequently attempt to control their severe mood swings and emotional instability by using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. This can be very dangerous and harmful for various reasons. For one, substance use could intensify the effects of mental illness. Also, it can cloud a person’s judgment, causing the individual to make unhealthy decisions, such as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol or choosing forgo treatment for mental illness.
Much like any other underlying health condition that accompanies substance addiction, bipolar disorders should be treated as well if the patient is to have a real chance at a successful recovery. Patients who have been using alcohol and drugs to manage the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder require counseling and managed medication to achieve the best possible outcome.
At Free by the Sea, we go to significant lengths to help patients with bipolar disorder realize their substance abuse may result from an attempt to medicate themselves. Our facility provides treatment with respect and dignity. We don’t believe in keeping patients locked up, and you’ll never suffer humiliation and violations of privacy by being forced to wear a hospital gown.
Besides treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder and helping people cope with them throughout recovery, our facility also helps patients cope with the difficult drug and alcohol withdrawal process. Most of the time, patients come to us because they’re desperate for help, which often occurs long after the patient has realized they have a problem.
We provide our clients with comfort, counseling, care, and a specialized program for addressing co-occurring conditions. As a result, we help people who are suffering from addiction and bipolar disorder to work through withdrawal and overcome their addiction.
The staff at Free by the Sea consists of recovering addicts who know all too well that drugs and alcohol often seem like appealing solutions to unaddressed health issues. They have been helping other addicts along the path of recovery for years, and they possess ample skill in helping others overcome the fears associated with rehab. Free by the Sea also gives patients the support necessary to cope with the fluctuating emotions that are so common with bipolar disorder.
Our campus here at Free by the Sea is located on the Long Beach Peninsula in Ocean Park, WA. The staff at our beautiful facility is comprised of professionals who are dedicated to offering care to all who come to us for help.
Treatment programs here at Free by the Sea are client-centered. This means that we strive to offer individuals the care that they need in the way that they need it. We understand that no two people are alike; each individual is different and has different needs. Our team respects the unique needs and concerns of each patient at our facility. This is why we refuse to take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction treatment. Instead, we apply our knowledge and understanding of recovery, working to specifically and individually address each one of our clients!
At our facility, we have 77 treatment beds, meaning we are working to provide space and time for you or your loved one throughout recovery! Also, our team here at Free by the Sea consists of certified addiction counselors, including licensed therapists who specialize in mental health.
We provide treatment for various types of addiction, including gambling, heroin abuse, alcoholism, prescription drug dependence, and much more. Through our multiple therapy approaches, we offer guidance and support to those who are working to overcome addiction and manage mental health disorders. Some of the therapy approaches we use here at Free by the Sea include the following:
These types of therapy address underlying and co-occurring issues that might contribute to addiction. These may include social isolation, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, and relationship problems.
Therapy can also help individuals to develop life skills, relapse prevention skills, interpersonal skills, and much more. With help from both group therapy and individual therapy, those who are working to overcome substance dependence can develop the tools they need in order to remain free from addiction.
We offer various levels of care including:
By enrolling in treatment here at Free by the Sea, you are choosing to find help and hope in a peaceful, safe, and comfortable setting. Our team of compassionate and understanding individuals will work endlessly to facilitate a healthy and successful recovery journey for you!
You can start beating your addiction today. Addiction doesn’t just impact you; it also impacts the lives of your friends and loved ones. Our goal is to help you end the cycle of addiction to help both you and the people you love.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of a dual diagnosis of addiction and bipolar disorder, resources are available! You may sometimes feel hopeless or helpless, believing that nothing can be done. But, please rest assured that we are here to provide you with everything you need in order to end substance abuse and help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
We know that asking for help can be both difficult and even discouraging. Knowing that you cannot control your substance use or the symptoms of bipolar disorder can cause much hardship. But, here at our addiction treatment facility, we are determined to help you find peace and healing. We truly believe you deserve to live a life that is free from substance use disorder. You can be certain that, when you come to our facility, you will not be met with judgment but, rather, understanding and compassion!
At Free by the Sea, we serve our community of clients with professionalism, dignity, and excellence. Regardless of the doubt that may flood your mind, know that you can experience the type of freedom and joy that can come only from recovery. Simply reach out to us today to learn more about our services and resources. We look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery!
Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.