What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey

Addiction continues to affect millions of Americans each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2022.[1]

While there are many risk factors and causes associated with addiction, mental health is usually an influencing component. Oftentimes, when people have untreated mental health conditions they begin to abuse drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Over time, this can lead to the development of an addiction.

When you have both an addiction and a mental health condition, this is known as having co-occurring disorders. Without receiving treatment for both disorders at the same time, the untreated condition could cause a relapse in the other.

Dual diagnosis treatment programs in New Jersey combine clinically proven mental health and addiction treatment services to help individuals recover from both of their co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Treatment often involves an in-depth assessment, medical detox, various therapies, medication management, relapse prevention training, and more.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders are characterized by having a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time. Any type of addiction can occur at the same time as any mental health condition.

According to SAMHSA, about 9.2 million people struggled with co-occurring disorders in 2021.[2]

While any conditions can co-occur with one another, the most common mental health issues seen in addiction treatment include:

• Anxiety and other mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Conduct disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

While having co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, dual-diagnosis rehab programs are experienced in treating these conditions. In other words, while recovery can be difficult, it is possible to achieve.

What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey

Dual-diagnosis treatment centers in New Jersey offer comprehensive treatment services to those who need help with both addiction and mental health. If you or a loved one struggles with co-occurring disorders, attending one of these treatment programs could be the difference you need to maintain long-term recovery.

Intake and Assessment

When you arrive at a dual diagnosis facility in New Jersey you will begin the intake process. This usually involves signing medical release forms, providing your insurance or payment, and offering other information that is necessary to begin treatment.

Another part of the intake process is undergoing an initial assessment. The medical staff will gather information about your physical health, what mental health conditions you struggle with, and your history of substance abuse. If you do not know what your diagnosis is, you might be asked to participate in specific mental health screenings.

Medical Detox

Once you complete intake, you will begin medical detox. Withdrawal can be painful and even life-threatening without medical assistance, so this is a vital step in recovering from addiction.

The type of detox services you receive will depend on the substance you are addicted to. For example, while opioid withdrawal is often treated with medications like Suboxone or methadone, alcohol dependency might be addressed with benzodiazepines.

In addition to medications that lessen your withdrawal symptoms, you will be monitored consistently to ensure that you remain physically and psychologically stable.

Individual and Group Therapy

Once you have completed detox, you will begin participating in individual therapy and group counseling. Therapy is used to help you recover from your addiction and teach you how to manage the symptoms of your mental health condition.

For addiction, counseling is used to identify the root causes of your substance use, teach you how to avoid triggers for relapse, and offer you healthy coping mechanisms to use instead of self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.

Regarding mental health, you will be given specific therapies that are clinically proven to manage the symptoms of your specific illness. Additionally, you will most likely be placed in a counseling group with peers who struggle with the same mental health condition.

Medication Management

In addition to therapy, sometimes medication is needed to treat addiction or mental illness. Some individuals use medications like Suboxone long-term to prevent cravings and relapses associated with addiction.

On the other hand, you might be prescribed medications that balance chemicals in your brain affected by the mental illness you struggle with. For example, anti-depressants are often used to treat both depression and anxiety. It is important to note that the psychiatric medication you are prescribed will not be habit-forming or addictive, ensuring that it does not trigger your substance use disorder.

Holistic Support

Another method of treatment used during dual diagnosis rehab in New Jersey is known as holistic care. To explain, “holistic” refers to a whole-person approach, which means these services provide emotional, behavioral, physical, and spiritual healing.

Examples of holistic treatments used during dual diagnosis treatment centers include:

• Yoga and meditation
• Mindfulness techniques
• Acupuncture and massage therapy
• Nutrition counseling and exercise
• Art and music therapy
• Equine and adventure therapy

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Services

Lastly, you will be trained in relapse prevention skills before you complete your dual diagnosis treatment program. For example, you will identify specific triggers that cause you to crave substances and learn healthy coping mechanisms to prevent yourself from relapsing.

In addition to learning relapse prevention techniques, you will have access to aftercare services. Examples of aftercare services offered by dual diagnosis rehab centers in New Jersey include:

• Continued therapy
• Medication management
• Referrals to outpatient rehab or sober living programs
• Recommendations on local support groups to attend
• Access to an alumni program
• Case management services like vocational training

Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey Today

If you or a loved one require treatment for co-occurring disorders, New Jersey Interventions is here to help. We work with highly-rated dual diagnosis treatment programs across the state that offer the combination of mental health and addiction treatment you need to regain control over your life.

To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data
2. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders