Home / Programs / Dual Diagnosis /
Struggling with anxiety and addiction at the same time can feel like being stuck in a loop that a person can’t break. Maybe the anxiety came first, and substances became a way to cope. Or maybe drug or alcohol use made someone’s anxiety worse over time.
However it started, anxiety and substance use often go hand in hand, and treating one without the other rarely works.
The Freedom Center specializes in anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland, offering compassionate, dual-diagnosis care designed to help people heal both mentally and physically.
Anxiety isn’t just about feeling nervous before a big event—it’s a constant, sometimes crushing sense of worry that can shape how a person thinks, feels, and shows up in daily life. For many, it’s not just mental—it’s physical too: racing heart, trouble sleeping, tight chest, or that pit-in-the-stomach feeling that never quite fades. [1]
When anxiety and substance use collide, things can get even more complicated. People may turn to alcohol or drugs to take the edge off, only to find that the relief is temporary, and the fallout is worse. That’s where anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland becomes so important.
The Freedom Center doesn’t treat anxiety or addiction in isolation. The dual diagnosis program includes mental health services and is built for people who feel like they’ve been carrying both for too long and are ready for real, sustainable change.
Anxiety and addiction don’t just happen to coexist—they often feed off each other in a frustrating cycle. For many people, anxiety is the first thing that shows up: maybe it’s persistent worry, panic attacks, or constant overthinking. Drugs or alcohol might start as a way to take the edge off. Over time, what felt like relief becomes a crutch—and then a cage.
That’s why anxiety and substance abuse treatment needs to do more than address symptoms. It has to dig into what’s underneath.
Substance use may briefly numb anxiety, but it also rewires the brain’s natural stress responses and makes it harder to self-regulate without a substance in hand. This cycle—numbing, withdrawal, panic, using again—can make anxiety feel even worse in the long run.[2] The longer it goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to separate one from the other.
At The Freedom Center, dual diagnosis anxiety and addiction treatment is built to break that cycle. The Freedom Center offers integrated care for mental health disorders that targets both the emotional overwhelm and the addiction it’s tied to, so a person can start to feel like themselves again, calmer, clearer, and actually in control.
When someone struggles with both anxiety and addiction, treating just one issue won’t lead to lasting recovery. That’s where dual diagnosis care comes in.
The Freedom Center’s team recognizes that anxiety and substance abuse treatment must be approached together because these challenges feed into each other.
While treating anxiety only after substance use is addressed was once the norm, this is no longer recognized as the best approach.[3] If only the addiction is treated, the underlying anxiety can worsen, pushing someone back toward substance use. That’s why integrated anxiety, mental health treatment, and addiction treatment in Maryland lead to better outcomes—it targets the whole picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Studies show that individuals in dual diagnosis programs have higher success rates than those getting treatment for addiction or anxiety alone.[4]
At The Freedom Center, a Maryland rehab for anxiety and substance use, clients receive personalized care that supports both mental health and recovery goals.
Whether it’s therapy treatment services, medication support, or community-based healing, the goal is the same: whole-person recovery that lasts and deals with mental health issues and drug addiction.
Anxiety and addiction can go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without support. Many people with anxiety turn to substances—alcohol, marijuana, benzodiazepines, stimulants—to calm their nerves, quiet racing thoughts, or feel in control.
While these substances might offer short-term relief, they often make anxiety worse in the long run. This is the trap of self-medication: the more someone uses, the more dependent they become on the drug and the illusion of peace it provides.
Over time, this creates a loop: anxiety ➜ substance use ➜ short relief ➜ rebound anxiety ➜ more substance use. There’s also a neurological explanation. Substances can throw off the brain’s natural balance of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation.[5]
As those systems become more dysregulated, anxiety symptoms intensify, and the need to use increases. This is why co-occurring disorders require specialized care.
The Freedom Center understands the complex relationship between anxiety and addiction. This Maryland-based treatment center for anxiety and addiction focuses on untangling these issues at the root, so clients can heal, not just cope.
Not everyone with anxiety develops a substance use disorder, but when they do occur together, the need for integrated care becomes critical. Several risk factors make someone more likely to need anxiety and addiction treatment. These include a family history of mental illness or addiction, childhood trauma, chronic stress, or underlying conditions like depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
So, how does someone know it’s time to get help at an addiction treatment center?
An individual might benefit from anxiety and substance abuse treatment if they:
The earlier someone gets support, the better. Seeking help before things spiral can lead to better outcomes, lower risk of long-term health problems, and a smoother recovery journey.
Compassionate, trauma-informed care for anxiety and addiction is available in Maryland through programs designed to meet individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey. The Freedom Center provides structured support that adapts to each person’s unique needs and challenges.
The residential program in Buckeystown offers a calm, structured space for those facing severe anxiety or substance use challenges. Around-the-clock care and small group sizes create a steady environment where people can feel safe, supported, and ready to begin real healing.
This type of care is especially appropriate for individuals whose anxiety or substance use has disrupted daily life or for those who may need more structure after outpatient treatment hasn’t been effective.
Residential programming includes:
Whether someone’s been battling anxiety for years or it’s become unmanageable due to substance use, the residential program gives them the space and support to recover at their own pace.
Not everyone requires 24/7 care to begin the healing process. At The Freedom Center, outpatient anxiety and addiction treatment offers structure and support while giving the flexibility to manage day-to-day life.
Three levels of outpatient care are available:
Outpatient behavioral health care allows individuals to continue treatment as their anxiety symptoms begin to stabilize, while staying connected to their home, support system, and responsibilities.
Whether someone is transitioning from residential treatment or starting fresh, The Freedom Center’s outpatient programs in Gaithersburg are designed to meet them where they are.
No two experiences with anxiety are the same, which is why personalized care matters. At The Freedom Center, a combination of evidence-based therapies and psychiatric support is used to create a treatment plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.
The center uses a range of therapeutic modalities, including:
Many clients also benefit from anxiety therapy focused on practical skills like deep breathing, progressive relaxation, grounding exercises, and learning how to manage panic symptoms.
When appropriate, The Freedom Center’s licensed providers may also recommend medication management for anxiety, such as SSRIs or other anti-anxiety medications, as part of a broader dual diagnosis treatment plan.
Every decision is made in collaboration with the individual to support both mental health and sustained recovery.
When someone begins anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland at The Freedom Center, the first step is a comprehensive assessment. The team takes the time to understand each individual’s history, symptoms, and goals, so they can create a care plan that works for them, not just on paper, but in real life.
Treatment focuses on:
Throughout the process, the Freedom Center team continues to reassess care to make sure it’s helping move the person forward. As anxiety symptoms improve and recovery deepens, they will shift the focus toward relapse prevention and preparing for life after treatment.
Getting treatment is just one part of the journey. Staying connected to support and structure after discharge is what helps recovery last.
The Freedom Center provides a full range of aftercare options for anxiety and substance abuse treatment, starting the moment someone completes their program.
They also help individuals develop a personalized maintenance plan following their time at the recovery center, which may include mindfulness exercises, stress management strategies, medication follow-up, and lifestyle tools that support long-term emotional well-being.
Long after treatment ends, the goal is to help each person feel more confident managing their anxiety, less dependent on substances, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges without going backward.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Client transformations are what drive us to continually improve and enhance everything we do here. We are deeply committed to giving back, lifting others up, and ensuring that no one in our community has to face addiction alone. These are their stories of hope,
No matter what disorder you might be struggling with or how many, treatment is a possibility. If you are looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, we at The Freedom Center can help. We offer multiple options that can include a dual diagnosis plan. Our medical team will make an assessment in order to design the perfect treatment plan for your needs.
We believe in using every tool possible to help you become addiction-free. Visit our website to learn more about our center, contact us today. We can discuss all of your questions and concerns so you can be sure you are making the best choice for yourself and for your treatment.
All content produced by The Freedom Center undergoes a detailed evaluation process to ensure accuracy and quality. We only work with medical professionals and individuals with extensive experience in the field, and all content produced undergoes a review process to ensure accuracy. Our goal is to be a reliable resource the recovery community can turn to for information they can trust.
Dual diagnosis treatment means addressing both a mental condition, like anxiety, and a substance use disorder at the same time. The Freedom Center specializes in this approach because treating just one issue often isn’t enough. The integrated care model helps clients break the cycle of self-medication, offering real healing for both the mind and body.
[1] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Anxiety. https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
[2] Sinha, R. (2008, October). Chronic stress, drug use, and vulnerability to addiction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2732004/
[3][8] Nami, & Nami. (2024, May 31). Understanding dual diagnosis. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/
[4] Kelly, T. M., & Daley, D. C. (2013). Integrated treatment of substance use and psychiatric disorders. Social work in public health, 28(3-4), 388–406. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3753025/
[5] Davis, S., & Zhu, J. (2022). Substance abuse and neurotransmission. Advances in pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9759822/
[6] Back, S. E., & Brady, K. T. (2008b). Anxiety Disorders with Comorbid Substance Use Disorders: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations. Psychiatric Annals, 38(11). https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/00485713-20081101-01
[7] Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (2017). Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(2), 93–107. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/bbandelow
Mary is an experienced Client Care Manager with 20+ years in customer service. She excels at problem-solving and takes pride in delivering tailored solutions. Mary builds strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction with each interaction. Her attention to detail and communication skills are valuable assets. Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and family time.
Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery. Currently pursuing her advanced degree in psychology, Samantha’s personal journey of overcoming addiction fuels her passion for supporting others on their path to wellness. Samantha’s own journey of recovery serves as a powerful foundation for her therapeutic services. She approaches her work with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique.
Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.
Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Accruing years of hands-on experience working alongside the administrators of facilities across the country in development of their own unique programs gave Max a unique and robust perspective into the administrative requirements of addiction treatment programs. Today, Max is able to channel his passion for battling the disease of addiction into ensuring The Freedom Center maintains strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by The Joint Commission and our partnerships in the insurance industry, and is constantly striving to improve the overall performance of the facility.
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery. Nationally Certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification board, Melissa’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Armed with credentials as a Registered Peer Supervisor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and Alcohol and Drug Trainee she has earned her place as a guiding light for individuals seeking hope and solace. Melissa’s illustrious journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, while she currently works diligently towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Walden University. Melissa’s personal experiences with addiction and mental health struggles instilled within her a profound passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Her unwavering commitment to peer support, coupled with her own lived experience, fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. She played a pivotal role as a peer support specialist in the overdose response team for Montgomery County, where she collaborated closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, Crisis Center, EMS, MCPD, and Montgomery County hospitals. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Her diverse roles as a case manager, discharge coordinator, behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and clinician have provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself. This profound personal connection fuels her passion for working in the field and enables her to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her role.
Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff. Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery.
Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Whether she’s leading group therapy or providing an individual therapy session, Cheryl’s expansive knowledge and genuine compassion paired with her deep drive to help people are always on display at The Freedom Center.
Meet Mr. Kevin Sockwell. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
