Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in New Jersey

Living with an addiction to alcohol or drugs can affect every aspect of your life. The effects of substance abuse can impact your health, relationships, and even daily functioning. It is nearly impossible to live a healthy, fulfilling life when drugs and alcohol are your focus.

People who live with mental health disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) face even more significant challenges. Mental health experts use the term “co-occurring disorder” or “dual diagnosis”  to describe a person who lives with a mental health condition and substance abuse.

People with co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment to overcome both conditions. Finding treatment to manage addiction and mental illness is critical.

This article will explore co-occurring disorders and their treatment. You will learn:

  •  What happens during co-occurring disorder treatment
  •  Who can benefit from receiving treatment for co-occurring disorders
  •  Where to find comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment

If you or someone you love needs dual diagnosis treatment, you are not alone. Reach out to the intake team at New Jersey Behavioral Health to explore our treatment and support programs. Contact us to explore your treatment options or to schedule an appointment.

What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, occurs when a person has substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition. People with both conditions may face additional challenges and require specialized treatment programs. It is critical to help people manage the symptoms of their mental health condition while treating co-occurring disorders.

There are many combinations of co-occurring disorders. However, some are more common than others. Common co-occurring disorders  include:

  • Anxiety disorder and drug addiction
  • Schizophrenia and substance use disorder
  • Depression and alcohol addiction

Co-occurring disorders affect more than 7.7 million adults.

Research has found a clear link between  serious mental illness and substance abuse. serious mental illness includes:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These and other serious mental illnesses can affect people’s daily functioning. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows about 25% of people with a serious mental illness also live with substance use disorder. About 50% of adults with substance use disorder also have a mental health condition.

Comprehensive treatment approaches can help people with concurring disorders safely stop using drugs and learn to manage mental health issues.

What to Expect in Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

People with concurring disorders can face additional barriers when seeking substance abuse treatment, including not knowing what to expect from treatment. Understanding what to expect at each stage of dual diagnosis treatment can help people make the best choices for their care.

Here is an overview of the stages of co-occurring disorder treatment.

Evaluation

Before beginning treatments, medical and mental health specialists will assess your needs. Your evaluation may consist of:

  • Questions about past and current substance abuse
  • A complete mental health history
  • A family history of mental illness or addiction
  • Physical health history
  • Lab testing
  • A physical exam

This information can help your treatment team create the most effective treatment plan possible.

Detox

Detox is one of the most critical steps toward long-term recovery. During detox, medical and mental health specialists will assess your needs and provide treatment as necessary.

Medical detox treatment programs may include:

  • Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
  • Emotional and social support, including individual and group therapy
  • Mental health treatment, including behavioral therapies and medications
  • Round-the-clock access to treatment and support
  • A safe, secure environment
  • Regular screenings and assessments

Detox programs vary depending on each person’s unique needs. Some people spend just a few days in detox, and some require longer periods of more intensive support. Your treatment team will adjust your treatment plan throughout detox to meet your changing needs.

Treatment

A comprehensive co-occurring disorder treatment plan can help people address the behavioral, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to their conditions. Some people participate in inpatient treatment programs, meaning they live in the treatment center while receiving care. Others participate in outpatient rehab programs.

Co-occurring disorder treatment programs typically include:

  • Medications to manage withdrawal and mental health symptoms
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Tailored behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Coping skills
  • Holistic therapies, including exercise, mindfulness, and nutrition support
  • Aftercare planning

People who live with a mental health condition and substance use disorder can benefit from specialized co-occurring disorder treatment programs. Co-occurring disorder treatment can help people with a range of mental health conditions and substance abuse, including:

If you or someone you love lives with a dual diagnosis and require treatment, seek help as soon as possible.

Find Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in New Jersey Now

Living with co-occurring disorders can be very challenging, but getting specialized treatment and support can help people manage these conditions. Reach out to the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists to explore our dual diagnosis treatment programs. You may also contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Disorders
  2. NIDA: Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness
  3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report

Get Help Now

Contact Us
Call Us Now For Help (732) 751-4750 Speak With a Mental Health Professional Now
Go to top