Anxiety and substance use often go hand in hand. Many people who live with anxiety turn to substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings. At the same time, substance use can increase anxiety symptoms, creating a cycle that becomes difficult to break. Understanding the relationship between anxiety and substance use is important for individuals and their support networks. Both conditions feed off each other, and when left untreated, they can affect all areas of life, including work, relationships, and physical health. The good news is that with the right approach to treatment, healing is possible.

How Anxiety Can Lead to Substance Use

For many people, anxiety creates daily challenges. Racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and social avoidance are just a few of the symptoms that can feel too intense to manage. When healthy coping strategies aren’t available or well developed, individuals may begin experimenting with substances that temporarily mask the discomfort. Alcohol may numb the worry, while stimulants may seem to provide energy or focus. This short-term relief, however, comes at a cost. It doesn’t treat the cause of anxiety and can lead to dependence.

In some cases, people are unaware that what they’re feeling is anxiety. They might label their symptoms as stress, tiredness, or irritability, and reach for substances out of habit or pressure. The problem arises when the brain starts associating the substance with relief. Over time, the reliance grows, and so does the cycle of anxiety and substance use.

Substance Use Can Worsen Anxiety

While substances may seem to offer an escape, many worsen anxiety symptoms over time. For example, alcohol is a depressant that can disrupt sleep and mood regulation. Stimulants can cause heart palpitations, agitation, and panic. Withdrawal symptoms, even after short-term use, can heighten feelings of fear, paranoia, and unease.

Some individuals also develop anxiety as a direct result of substance use. Drug-induced anxiety can occur during intoxication or withdrawal. The emotional and physical impact of substance use on the brain and body often makes existing anxiety more difficult to manage. This back-and-forth pattern of attempting to treat one condition while making the other worse keeps many people stuck.

Dual Diagnosis: Treating Anxiety and Substance Use Together

When someone struggles with both anxiety and substance use, this is referred to as a dual diagnosis. It’s common, but often overlooked. Treating both at the same time is essential for long-term recovery. Addressing only the substance use, for example, without giving attention to underlying anxiety, increases the risk of relapse. On the other hand, focusing solely on anxiety without helping the person break free from substance use won’t lead to lasting improvement either.

At Delray Center for Recovery, a dual diagnosis approach is used to meet people where they are. This may include therapy, medication management, lifestyle changes, and support groups. Individualized treatment helps build new coping skills, create safety, and develop a healthier mindset. Learning how to manage anxiety without turning to substances is a major turning point in recovery.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Anxiety

One of the best ways to support recovery is by finding new tools for dealing with anxiety. These tools look different for everyone, but some widely used techniques include:

• Breathing exercises: Slowing down the breath helps signal the brain that it’s safe to relax.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy helps identify and challenge negative thinking patterns.
• Exercise: Physical movement helps release built-up tension and promotes better sleep.
• Routine: Daily structure creates a sense of control and stability.
• Support groups: Sharing with others reduces feelings of isolation and creates connection.

Learning these tools is part of the recovery process, not something people are expected to master overnight. Progress often comes in small steps, and that’s okay.

Reaching Out for Help from Delray Center for Recovery

If you or someone you love is dealing with anxiety and substance use, you’re not alone. Reaching out is the first step toward feeling better. Treatment can make a real difference. At Delray Center for Recovery, care is focused on the whole person, not just the symptoms. The goal is to help individuals understand their patterns, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.

Recovery is not about perfection. It’s about creating space for growth, healing, and support. Anxiety and substance use may feel overwhelming, but change is always possible.

Completing a treatment program is a major milestone in the recovery journey, but it is not the end. The work of maintaining sobriety and building a healthier lifestyle continues long after formal treatment ends. That’s where an effective aftercare plan comes in. Creating a structured and supportive plan for life after treatment is critical to long-term success and relapse prevention.

At Delray Center for Recovery, we believe that a personalized aftercare plan is just as important as the treatment program itself. In this blog, we’ll explain what an aftercare plan is, why it matters, what it should include, and how you can build one that fits your individual needs and goals.

What Is an Aftercare Plan?

An aftercare plan is a tailored roadmap for continued support and personal growth following the completion of a rehab or mental health treatment program. It outlines the strategies, services, and resources a person will use to stay on track with recovery, manage triggers, and continue building a meaningful and healthy life.

These plans are not one-size-fits-all. A good aftercare plan is developed collaboratively between the individual and their treatment team, often starting before the program ends. It may evolve to reflect changes in lifestyle, employment, living situation, or personal goals.

Why an Aftercare Plan Matters

Recovery doesn’t stop the day you walk out of a treatment center. That’s often when the real challenges begin. Triggers, stress, and daily responsibilities can create pressure that increases the risk of relapse. An aftercare plan provides the structure and support needed to navigate these challenges.

Here’s why an effective aftercare plan is so important:

Prevents relapse: By identifying high-risk situations and providing coping strategies.

Maintains accountability: Through regular check-ins, therapy sessions, or group meetings.

Supports continued growth: By including goals related to career, health, relationships, and hobbies.

Allows for community: Through peer support and recovery networks.

Components of an Effective Aftercare Plan

Every person’s journey is different, but most successful aftercare plans include several core elements:

1. Ongoing Therapy or Counseling: Individual therapy, group therapy, or both can help you continue processing emotions, strengthening coping skills, and staying accountable. Whether weekly or biweekly, consistent therapy is a valuable anchor in recovery.

2. Support Groups and Peer Networks: Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery offer peer-led support and community. Being surrounded by others who understand your journey can be a powerful motivator.

3. Medication Management: For those with co-occurring mental health disorders or who require medications for stabilization, regular psychiatric follow-up is essential. This ensures your treatment remains appropriate and effective.

4. Healthy Living Habits: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness all play crucial roles in long-term wellness. An aftercare plan should include ways to build and maintain healthy routines that support both mental and physical health.

5. Life Skills and Vocational Support: Returning to work, school, or new responsibilities after treatment can be overwhelming. Aftercare may include job training, education planning, resume building, or financial literacy.

6. Sober Living Environment: Some individuals benefit from living in a sober home or recovery residence after treatment. These environments provide a supportive and drug-free space to transition back into daily life.

Creating Your Personalized Aftercare Plan

Designing your aftercare plan starts with honest reflection and a clear understanding of your unique needs. At Delray Center for Recovery, we work with each client to build a plan that supports them beyond treatment.

Here are steps you can take to start crafting your plan:

Identify potential triggers: Think about people, places, or situations that might challenge your sobriety.

Set achievable goals: These might include staying sober, rebuilding relationships, or finding meaningful work.

List your support systems: Include family, friends, therapists, sponsors, or recovery groups.

Schedule follow-up appointments: Before you leave treatment, make sure future appointments are on the calendar.

Build in flexibility: Life changes. Your plan should be adaptable as your needs and goals evolve.

Aftercare Plan Check-Ins: Staying on Track

Once your aftercare plan is in place, it’s important to check in with yourself regularly. Set aside time each week or month to evaluate your progress, assess any challenges, and make adjustments as needed.

Ask yourself:

• Am I staying connected to my support network?
• Have I encountered new stressors or triggers?
• Am I making progress toward my goals?
• Do I need to add or change any parts of my plan?

Involving your therapist or recovery coach in these check-ins can provide valuable insight and encouragement.

Start Your Recovery at Delray Center for Recovery

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and the transition from treatment to everyday life can be one of the most vulnerable times. That’s why having a strong aftercare plan in place is important. It empowers you to stay focused, connected, and supported as you navigate life beyond treatment.

At Delray Center for Recovery, we understand that recovery doesn’t end at discharge. We are committed to helping each client build an aftercare plan that promotes lasting health, purpose, and personal growth.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your transition and help you build an aftercare plan that works.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a toolkit for building emotional resilience, managing stress, and improving relationships. If you’re in recovery or navigating life’s ups and downs, learning simple DBT skills can make a difference in how you cope and connect. In this mini guide, we dive into accessible, research-backed DBT skills you can start using today to bring more balance, clarity, and calm into your daily life.

What Are DBT Skills and Why Do They Matter?

The core of DBT skills lies in four domains: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Together, these skills help you accept the present moment, handle stress without resorting to harmful behaviors, understand and manage your emotions, and interact more skillfully with others.

Delray Center for Recovery incorporates DBT skills into its evidence-based approach to support clients dealing with addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These skills can empower you if you’re in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), or integrating recovery into everyday life.

1. Mindfulness: The Foundation of DBT Skills

Mindfulness is the starting point for most DBT skills—it invites you to live in the present with openness and curiosity. Here are two simple practices:

Observe & Describe: Choose a moment, like sipping coffee, walking to your car, or pausing before a response. Observe your experience: What do you see, feel, taste, or smell? Describe it mentally (“This is warm, bitter, calming”).

One-Mindfully: Focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention—if it’s washing dishes or listening to a friend. If your mind drifts, gently bring it back.

These micro-practices strengthen your ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, laying the groundwork for all other DBT skills.

2. Distress Tolerance: Staying Balanced in the Storm

When emotional pain hits, it’s easy to slip into destructive coping methods. DBT skills offer healthier alternatives through acceptance and mindful action.

TIP Skills:

Temperature: Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube to quickly shift your nervous system.

Intense Exercise: Do a quick burst—jumping jacks, push-ups, or running in place—for 30 seconds.

Paced Breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold, and out for 6–8 counts. Pair with a forward lean to engage the diaphragm.

Radical Acceptance: Instead of arguing with reality, remind yourself: “It is what it is.” This doesn’t mean you approve—it means fighting what’s beyond your control only prolongs suffering.

Self-Soothe with the Five Senses: Create a calm environment, soft music (hearing), scented candle (smell), warm blanket (touch), favorite tea (taste), calming visuals (sight).

3. Emotional Regulation: Understanding and Shaping Your Feelings

Emotions are powerful, but DBT skills help you navigate them effectively.

Check the Facts: Ask yourself: Does the evidence support my emotional reaction? Am I concluding without data? If you’re afraid of rejection, is there proof?

Opposite Action: When emotions lead to harmful impulses (e.g., isolating when you feel sad), do something that counters the urge—reach out to someone, go for a walk, or engage in a soothing hobby.

PLEASE Master Your Emotions:

Physical health: Sleep, nutrition, exercise
Leave uncontrollables alone
Emotions: support emotional wellness through stress management
Accumulate positive experiences
Shorten emotional suffering—avoid behaviors that prolong it
Enrich purpose and connection

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicate with Respect

Communicating effectively is another core domain of DBT skills, especially when you feel vulnerable or stressed.

DEAR MAN: A structured communication technique:

Describe the situation
Express your feelings
Assert your needs
Reinforce benefits

Mindful listening
Appear confident
Negotiate if needed

For example, “When dishes are left in the sink (Describe), I feel overwhelmed (Express). Could you please wash them tonight (Assert)? It would help me relax (Reinforce).”

GIVE & FAST: Focus on maintaining relationships (GIVE) and self-respect (FAST):

Gentle approach
Interested listening
Validate feelings
Easy manner

Fair
Apologies when necessary
Stick to values
Truthful

How to Bring DBT Skills into Recovery

Pick one skill per day: Start small—try mindfulness in the morning, a distress tolerance tool when overwhelmed, learning DEAR MAN midweek.

Track your progress: Use a journal or app to note which skills you used and how they affected you.

Share with someone: Tell your counselor, sponsor, or friend which skill helped and why. Sharing reinforces learning.

Join a DBT Skills group: Local options include Delray Beach support groups that meet weekly for structured training.

DBT skills aren’t a cure-all, but they offer structured, proven strategies to help you tolerate hardship, manage emotions, and connect meaningfully with others. Used consistently, they become muscle memory: you’re more likely to respond than react.

At Delray Center for Recovery, we integrate DBT skills into therapy sessions, group work, and daily living plans. If you’re learning to navigate cravings, manage trauma triggers, or repair relationships, these skills are tools you carry with you beyond treatment—and for life.

Get Help and Learn More Through DBT at Delray Center for Recovery

Pick one DBT skill from each category and try it out. Notice how your mood, stress levels, and confidence shift. As you build familiarity, incorporate them into your treatment sessions or recovery check-ins.

If you’re in Delray or Palm Beach County and want to learn more, ask us about our DBT group offerings or individual skill sessions.

Alcohol addiction can negatively impact an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and personal relationships. Recognizing the need for help is an important step in the recovery process, but for many, residential or inpatient treatment isn’t always feasible. Fortunately, outpatient alcoholism treatment offers a flexible and effective alternative for those seeking recovery while maintaining their everyday responsibilities.

At Delray Center for Recovery, we offer both Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) options tailored specifically to treat alcohol use disorder. In this blog, we’ll explore who might benefit from outpatient alcoholism treatment and how our programs are designed to support your journey toward long-term recovery.

Who Might Be a Good Candidate for Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment?

Outpatient treatment can be an ideal option for many individuals, particularly those whose circumstances allow them to manage their recovery while continuing with day-to-day life. Here are some factors that make someone a good candidate for outpatient alcoholism treatment:

1. Mild to Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder

Outpatient programs, like IOP and PHP, are often best suited for individuals with mild to moderate alcohol use disorder. These patients typically do not require the round-the-clock medical supervision offered by inpatient programs, but they still need structured, intensive support to overcome their addiction.

If your alcohol use disorder hasn’t reached a severe level—meaning you don’t experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms or require medical detox—outpatient treatment can provide the care and guidance necessary to achieve sobriety while remaining at home.

2. Strong Support System at Home

A strong support system of family and friends can be an essential part of outpatient treatment success. Individuals who have supportive loved ones to lean on during their recovery often benefit from the flexibility of outpatient programs, as they can work through their recovery while staying in a stable home environment.

For those without a supportive network, outpatient programs like the ones at Delray Center for Recovery also offer access to group therapy and community support, which can help fill that gap.

3. Commitments to Work, School, or Family

Many people seeking treatment for alcoholism have responsibilities they cannot step away from for an extended period, such as work, school, or caring for family members. Outpatient treatment programs offer the flexibility needed to accommodate these obligations, allowing individuals to receive treatment while still managing their everyday lives.

4. Transitioning from Inpatient Care

Outpatient treatment is often a key step in the continuum of care for individuals transitioning out of inpatient or residential treatment. After completing a more intensive level of care, outpatient programs like IOP or PHP can help patients maintain their recovery momentum, prevent relapse, and ease back into daily life with the right support systems in place.

5. Motivation and Commitment to Recovery

Outpatient alcoholism treatment requires a high level of personal commitment and motivation. Since patients spend the majority of their time outside of the treatment facility, maintaining sobriety requires a strong dedication to recovery. If you’re ready to actively engage in therapy, attend regular meetings, and take accountability for your progress, outpatient programs can be highly effective.

Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment Options at Delray Center for Recovery

At Delray Center for Recovery, we offer two primary outpatient treatment options for alcoholism: the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Both programs are designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care in a flexible format that suits your schedule and lifestyle.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for alcohol addiction is designed for individuals who need structured support but do not require the 24-hour care provided by inpatient programs. IOP offers a high level of care that includes individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric care, but it allows patients to return home after each session.

Key components of the IOP at Delray Center for Recovery include:

Flexible Scheduling: Our IOP sessions are typically held 3-5 days per week for several hours each day, allowing you to continue working, attending school, or caring for your family.

Therapeutic Support: Patients participate in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, all tailored to help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Group Therapy and Peer Support: Group sessions offer an opportunity to connect with others going through similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of accountability, support, and encouragement, which can be important in maintaining sobriety.

Dual Diagnosis Support: For those with co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, our IOP also addresses these conditions through integrated care, ensuring that both the addiction and mental health challenges are treated together.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

For individuals who require more intensive treatment than IOP but do not need inpatient care, the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a higher level of support. PHP is ideal for patients with more complex or severe alcohol use disorders, or those who have recently completed an inpatient program and need continued, structured care.

Key features of the PHP at Delray Center for Recovery include:

Comprehensive Care: PHP is designed to provide nearly the same level of care as inpatient programs, with daily therapy sessions and medical monitoring, but patients return home at night. This level of care is ideal for those at risk of relapse or who need more support during early recovery.

Medical and Psychiatric Support: PHP patients receive close monitoring of their physical and mental health, including access to psychiatric care, medication management, and medical interventions as needed. This is especially important for those with co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.

Structured Daily Programming: The PHP at Delray Center for Recovery typically involves 5-6 hours of programming per day, 5-7 days per week. This intensive schedule includes individual counseling, group therapy, holistic therapies, and wellness activities to address every aspect of recovery.

Relapse Prevention: Our PHP places a strong emphasis on relapse prevention strategies, helping you build the skills necessary to maintain long-term sobriety even in high-risk situations.

Choosing the Right Program for You

The decision between IOP and PHP will depend on your individual needs, the severity of your alcohol use disorder, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. At Delray Center for Recovery, we take a personalized approach to treatment, carefully assessing each patient to determine the best level of care for their unique situation.

When to Choose IOP:

• You have a mild to moderate alcohol use disorder.
• You can manage your daily life without 24/7 supervision.
• You are motivated to engage in treatment while maintaining work or family obligations.

When to Choose PHP:

• You have a more severe alcohol use disorder or are at risk of relapse.
• You need more intensive support but don’t require inpatient treatment.
• You are transitioning from an inpatient program and need continued, structured care.

Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment at Delray Center for Recovery

Outpatient alcoholism treatment at Delray Center for Recovery provides a flexible, effective solution for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction without disrupting their daily lives. Whether you choose our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), you can expect personalized, compassionate care that addresses the root causes of your addiction and helps you develop the tools necessary for long-term recovery.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, contact us today to learn more about our outpatient alcoholism treatment programs.

Many people who are struggling with addiction are living with other mental health issues. For many, living with an undiagnosed or even diagnosed mental health issue can lead to the use of drugs and alcohol as a means to escape or numb the symptoms of mental health conditions. For others, mental health issues can develop as a result of drug or alcohol use. In any case, for people living with concurring mental health issues and substance use disorder, it’s important to seek help from a dual diagnosis program.

Understanding More About What Dual Diagnosis Is

So, what exactly is a dual diagnosis? Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe the instance that a person is living with concurring mental health issues, specifically substance use disorder and another mental illness. According to research, over 8 million adults living in the United States are living with dual diagnosis. For these individuals, it’s important that the help they receive is specifically geared toward identifying and addressing not only substance use disorders but concurring mental health issues as well. Without a dual diagnosis program, individuals who are living with a dual diagnosis have an increased risk of relapsing once treatment concludes.

Most Common Mental Health Issues That Occur With Substance Use Disorder

There are certain mental health diagnoses that are more commonly paired with substance use disorder than others. Some of the most common mental health issues that occur alongside substance use disorder include:

Depression: People who haven’t been diagnosed with depression yet or haven’t received treatment for a depression diagnosis may attempt to use drugs or alcohol as a way to numb symptoms of depressive disorders. This can lead to a dependence on drugs or alcohol and even increase the severity of symptoms associated with depressive disorders.

ADHD: People living with ADHD can be at a higher risk of developing addiction as they may use drugs or alcohol to deal with symptoms. Furthermore, dependence and addiction can develop as a result of misusing ADHD prescription medications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: People living with the anxiety disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder that isn’t diagnosed or don’t get the treatment they need may develop substance use disorder as the result of attempting to deal with symptoms of anxiety. For example, after a stressful day with lots of anxiety, people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder may drink alcohol to calm their nerves. But, this can become habit-forming and lead to addiction.

Getting Help for Dual Diagnosis With an Addiction Dual Diagnosis Program

If you think that you may be living with concurring mental health issues and substance use disorder, it’s best to consider a dual diagnosis program. In traditional addiction rehabilitation centers, programs only identify and address substance use disorder. This may leave out the addressing of underlying issues like concurring mental health disorders. However, with an addiction dual diagnosis program, individuals who are living with dual diagnosis have the opportunity to learn about and address both mental health issues they may be living with.

Delray Center for Recovery offers an outpatient approach to dual diagnosis treatment. Learn more about our addiction dual diagnosis program and our other services today on our website.