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Feeling sad or stuck is hard enough, but when drugs or alcohol are involved, things can get even more complicated. Many use substances to try to escape depression symptoms, but that often makes both problems worse. When someone struggles with both, it’s called a dual diagnosis, and it needs special care and professional intervention. [1] At The Freedom Center in Maryland, we offer expert treatment that focuses on both depression and substance use, so healing can actually last.
Depression is classified as a serious mental health condition that goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day. [2] It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions. Common symptoms include a persistent sense of hopelessness, low energy or fatigue, changes in sleep patterns or appetite, and a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. For some, depression shows up as irritability or numbness rather than sadness.
Feeling sad after a tough life event is a natural response, but clinical depression runs deeper. It lingers, often without a clear trigger, and can make it hard to function at school, on the job, or in relationships. Unlike temporary sadness, it often requires professional support to recover.
There are also different types of depression, including Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder (also called dysthymia), Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depressive disorder due to another medical condition, like Bipolar disorder. [3]
If depression is starting to interfere with everyday life or getting worse, it may be time to reach out for professional support. With the right depression therapy, a person can learn how to manage symptoms and start feeling more like themselves again.
When someone is living with both depression and substance use issues, the signs can blend and become overwhelming. They may feel hopeless or drained most days, lose interest in things that used to matter to them, or struggle to focus on school or work.
On top of that, using alcohol or drugs may seem like the only way to feel better, at least for a little while.
Unfortunately, self-medicating usually makes things worse. If a person is turning to substances regularly just to get through the day, and their depression isn’t improving—or is even getting deeper—it could mean they’re dealing with a dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders. [6]
They may also notice signs like needing more of a substance to feel the same effect, withdrawing from relationships, having mood swings, or struggling with basic tasks. Some people even start to feel numb or think about self-harm.
These are all red flags that it’s time to seek help. Treatment facilities for depression that specialize in dual diagnosis care are designed for situations like this.
They focus on treating both the emotional pain and the substance use together, so that one doesn’t keep triggering the other. Obtaining the right kind of support can break the cycle and help them begin building a healthier, more stable life focused on wellness.
When someone is living with both depression and substance use issues, the signs can blend and become overwhelming. They may feel hopeless or drained most days, lose interest in things that used to matter to them, or struggle to focus on school or work.
On top of that, using alcohol or drugs may seem like the only way to feel better, at least for a little while.
Unfortunately, self-medicating usually makes things worse. If a person is turning to substances regularly just to get through the day, and their depression isn’t improving—or is even getting deeper—it could mean they’re dealing with a dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders. [6]
They may also notice signs like needing more of a substance to feel the same effect, withdrawing from relationships, having mood swings, or struggling with basic tasks. Some people even start to feel numb or think about self-harm.
These are all red flags that it’s time to seek help. Treatment facilities for depression that specialize in dual diagnosis care are designed for situations like this.
They focus on treating both the emotional pain and the substance use together, so that one doesn’t keep triggering the other. Obtaining the right kind of support can break the cycle and help them begin building a healthier, more stable life focused on wellness.
At trusted depression treatment centers in Maryland, including The Freedom Center, care starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This helps clinicians diagnose both depression and any co-occurring substance use disorder so that the team can build a treatment plan meeting specific needs.
Dual diagnosis care ensures that both issues are addressed simultaneously—something that’s critical for lasting addiction recovery. Here’s a closer look at what treatment involves:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective tools used to treat both depression and substance use. It helps to recognize unhelpful thought patterns—like guilt, shame, or hopelessness—and replace them with healthier ways of thinking.
If someone has felt stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, CBT provides real, actionable strategies to break that cycle and start moving forward.[7]
DBT can be particularly useful for those experiencing intense emotions, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts. It teaches four key skills: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
This therapy is often used in rehab for depression to help people manage strong feelings without turning to substances. [8]
Many people with depression have a history of trauma.[9] Trauma-informed care acknowledges this and creates a safe, supportive space to explore the past without retraumatization.
This type of therapy centers on healing emotional wounds that may contribute to both depression and substance use.
Antidepressants and certain other medications can help stabilize mood and ease withdrawal symptoms. [10] At The Freedom Center, a psychiatrist works closely with each individual to monitor the effects of medication and make adjustments as needed. This ensures they get the benefits without unwanted side effects.
Healing isn’t just individual—it’s also social. Group therapy offers support from others who understand what they’re going through. It also includes skill-building and relapse prevention strategies to help someone maintain progress outside of treatment.
Whether an individual requires residential care or outpatient support, The Freedom Center offers structured, evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment tailored to their unique journey. If someone is searching for depression treatment centers in Maryland, the compassionate Freedom Center team is here to help them heal emotionally and regain control of their life
Incorporating close family members, blood relatives, chosen family, and partners in the treatment process can enhance the patient’s treatment experience, providing essential support outside the structure of their program. Family therapy helps all parties improve communication and cultivate healthy relationships as they navigate a challenging time.
At The Freedom Center, there is an understanding of how deeply connected depression and substance use can be, and programs treat both together. At this center, depression and substance abuse treatment are offered across a full continuum of care, allowing someone to get the right level of support at every stage of recovery.
In Buckeystown, the inpatient program, also known as residential treatment, offers 24/7 supervision, medical stabilization, and detox services if needed, along with a structured daily schedule of therapy.
This level of care is best for people dealing with serious depression, thoughts of self-harm, or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. It offers 24/7 support, including help with medications and emotional stability, all in a safe and confidential setting where healing can begin.
For those who require a high level of care but don’t need overnight stays, the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Gaithersburg offer flexible day treatment options.
These outpatient treatment programs include group therapy, one-on-one counseling, medication check-ins, and skill-building sessions to address both depression and substance use. PHP typically runs five days a week, while IOP offers morning, afternoon, or evening tracks to fit around work or family life.
Outpatient therapy services provide ongoing support for individuals in recovery who are ready to transition from more intensive treatment. Clients meet regularly with therapists and psychiatrists to maintain stability, prevent relapse, and continue developing healthy coping tools while planning for aftercare in their recovery journey.
Whether someone is in crisis or seeking ongoing care, The Freedom Center offers trusted dual diagnosis care tailored to their specific needs. If they’re searching for depression treatment in Maryland, the team is here to walk with them, step by step, toward healing and lasting recovery.
Trying to manage depression and substance use on one’s own can be overwhelming—and even dangerous. Untreated depression, especially when drugs or alcohol are being abused, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and accidental overdose. [11]
What may start as a way to cope can quickly spiral into a dual crisis affecting every aspect of the user’s life. Professional support and mental health treatment from qualified providers are essential in these situations. Severe depression treatment centers offer medical oversight to help manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor mood changes, and safely adjust medications where clinically appropriate.
If someone is experiencing bipolar disorder, depression or another co-occurring condition, having a team that understands how these diagnoses interact is critical for effective care. Long-term recovery takes more than just a few therapy sessions—it requires an integrated plan for mental health issues and addiction treatment.
This includes consistent therapy, medication management, case management, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to specific needs.
With the right help, it’s possible to stabilize a person’s mood, reduce cravings, and help them reclaim control over their life.
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,
Dealing with both depression and addiction to substances can be a tough struggle, and it is a lifelong process with many ups and downs. Although it is not a linear journey to go through, with the right treatment, it is easier to prevent major setbacks or relapses. We at The Freedom Center can help make the process easier by providing our best tools and a team prepared to help through every step of the way.
Our programs were designed to work on every aspect of a patient’s life as they transition into sobriety. From holistic treatments to legal aid and case management, we will give you all the tools needed so that you can take ahold of your life and become more independent as you improve. Dual-diagnosis treatment plans are available at our facilities as well. If you’d like more information about our program options, visit our website and contact us today. We can answer any questions you may have and help you make one of the best decisions of your life.
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.
Powder cocaine is a hydrochloride salt that’s usually snorted or dissolved and injected.
Crack cocaine is a crystalized form that’s smoked. Crack produces a faster, more intense high, but also wears off quickly, leading to more frequent use. [11]
Both forms are highly addictive, but crack is often associated with a quicker path to dependence due to how rapidly it enters the bloodstream and affects the brain.
Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and using drugs or alcohol to cope. [12] When both conditions are present, a person may also experience mood swings, feelings of isolation, or difficulty in maintaining daily life responsibilities.
[1][4][5][6][13] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-f). Dual diagnosis. https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html#
[2][3]Chand, S. P. (2023, July 17). Depression. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/
[10][11][12] What is depression? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
[7][8] Dual diagnosis. (2025, June 10). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis
[9] Tailor, S. (2023, February 3). Adults with child trauma history respond to depression treatment similar to other adults. Louis a. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/2023/01/31/adults-with-child-trauma-history-respond-to-depression-treatment-similar-to-other-adults/
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.
