Bakersfield, being one of the cities producing the largest amount of oil and energy, as well as agricultural products, makes it a large, well populated, bustling city in California. Its many industries including energy and natural gas, petroleum refining and mining attract people from other parts of the country making Bakersfield one of the fastest growing cities in California.

However, all of this growth and expansion has a downside to it. In the year 2020 alone, Bakersfield saw a massive spike (over 30%) in the number of deaths related to drug overdosing. Although some of it is due to the pandemic, the numbers of deaths related to drug overdosing, particularly opioids, have been rising steadily. The positive aspect of this situation is that it prompted many rehabs to be opened up in Bakersfield and Kern County.

What Kind of Treatment Can I Find In Bakersfield Rehabs?

Due to the increase in the number of rehabs in Bakersfield, you can find a wide range of addiction treatment services including initial assessment, detoxification, medically assisted treatment, therapy, outpatient and aftercare support. Many Bakersfield rehabs may also handle opioid and prescription medication addictions, in addition to alcohol and other substances. Some treatment centers solely focus on inpatient detox treatment, whereas a few of them offer extended programs such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services.

Addiction Treatments in Bakersfield, CA

Here are some of the alcohol and drug addiction treatments you can expect to find in Bakersfield, but inquire with specific rehab centers to check what additional services they may offer.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

A recent study indicated that there are more than 14 million Americans suffering from alcohol use disorder. Treatment for alcohol addiction is determined by current alcohol use, co-occurring disorders, and current health condition, mental and physical. The most effective treatments are medical detox, followed by residential inpatient treatment for alcoholism. Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs are options depending on patient’s needs. Behavioral therapies and alcohol addiction support groups are an important part of long term recovery.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Detoxification is the first step in the treatment of substance-related disorders is to remove the toxins from an individual’s body through the process of chemical detoxification. Behavioral therapies and Cognitive therapies have been two recent developments that have been shown to be effective in treatment of addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses. Modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can be effective on treating addictive behaviors. Preventing relapses is the biggest challenge for addictive patients after graduating out of a treatment program. Being part of a supportive community, learning coping skills, and attending programs such as the 12-step recovery program are a few ways to stay the course.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe people who suffer from both mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). In the United States, it’s estimated that 25% of people who have mental illnesses also have substance use disorders—and vice versa. In other words, more than 1 in 4 Americans with mental illness also struggle with addiction at some point in their lives.

People who suffer from dual diagnoses often struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. They may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, or other mood disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Treatment options should include medical assisted treatment by specialists in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment for dual diagnosis patients. Individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy may be recommended based on patient’s needs.