The holidays are often described as the happiest time of year, but if you’re in recovery, you know they can also be one of the hardest. Between parties, family gatherings, and the pressure to feel festive, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. At New Bridge Foundation® in Berkeley, we understand how tough this…
Paying for addiction treatment doesn’t need to stand in the way of getting help. At New Bridge Foundation® in Berkeley, California, we’ve seen how choosing a rehab center that accepts insurance can make care more accessible and affordable. Insurance coverage eases financial stress so you can focus fully on recovery—not the cost of treatment. Why…
Starting rehab is a big step, and it’s natural to wonder what those first few days will look like. At New Bridge Foundation®, we know the unknown can feel intimidating, but we also know the difference that compassionate, structured care makes. This walkthrough gives you a step-by-step look at your first weeks in treatment so…
Rehab helps people start recovery. Aftercare helps them keep going. Treatment gives you time and space to stabilize, to step out of the patterns that were keeping you stuck. But the real test often comes afterward: when you’re back in familiar places, surrounded by old stressors, and expected to carry on like nothing’s changed. Aftercare,…
If you’re searching for how long rehab takes, you might already be juggling hard questions: Can I take time off work? Will my insurance cover it? What happens when it’s over? Time is one of the biggest concerns people have about addiction treatment. You might be worried about stepping away from work. You might be…
Addiction doesn’t always start with a major event. Often, it begins with patterns that slowly shift how someone feels, acts, or makes decisions. These changes might be easy to explain away at first, but over time, they can point to something more serious. Whether you’re noticing these changes in yourself or someone close to you,…
Recovery isn’t a one-time event. It’s a process that unfolds over weeks, months, and even years—shaped by new habits, hard conversations, and real-life challenges. For many people, staying on track requires more than one level of care. That’s where an intensive outpatient program (IOP) comes in. Whether you’re beginning your treatment journey or transitioning out…
PTSD can cause sudden shifts in how you feel, think, or react—even when everything around you seems fine. These intense responses are often linked to common PTSD triggers: reminders of a past trauma that send your body and mind into high alert. Triggers aren’t always obvious. They can be loud and dramatic, like a car…
When mental health challenges and substance use happen at the same time, they don’t just stack—they interact. One can fuel the other, leading to patterns that are hard to break. This combination is called a co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis. These conditions are more common than many people realize. Learning to recognize…
Getting sober takes courage. Staying sober takes commitment. If you’ve already done the work of getting clean, you know how much effort that first step requires. But the journey doesn’t end there. Long-term sobriety is about building a life that supports your progress and protects you from relapse—day after day, decision after decision. The good…