Dual Diagnosis Treatment New Jersey

For some, mental health conditions might feel like being unable to get out of bed. For others, it may look like severe anxiety in public or sudden mood swings with family.

When your mental health is unbalanced, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Whether you have depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or another mental disorder, the stress of living with the condition can impact your life as well as the lives of those around you.

Fortunately, there is treatment available. Evidence-based therapies are highly effective, whether you choose to join a residential treatment program or an outpatient program. Combined with treatment for a substance abuse disorder, it’s possible to overcome addiction and the cycle of symptoms related to poor mental health.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are often correlated with mental health concerns. Some people may use substances like drugs or alcohol as a type of self-medication to escape pain or other symptoms. They may feel that they can control their mental illness by using drugs or alcohol, for example, or the overuse of drugs and alcohol may lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety about being unable to stop.

Unfortunately, unchecked substance use can lead to substance abuse over time, and that abuse can worsen your mental health.

Reprieve Recovery offers substance use disorder treatment through drug and alcohol detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs.

For those with symptoms that are more severe or in cases where a structured environment is needed, an inpatient (residential) program may be best. In a residential treatment program, patients receive support for their mental health concerns and substance abuse treatment at the same time.

This 24/7 program can look different depending on the facility and the patient’s particular treatment plan. Usually, inpatient programs involve morning check-ins or mindfulness practices. They may also have individual or group therapies, holistic wellness activities (like art or music therapy), or check-ups with medical professionals for medication management. Inpatient treatment facilities also build in free time for rest and relaxation, helping individuals reset in a safe environment.

A form of outpatient care, partial hospitalization can be a good choice for those who need detoxification, medication management, and monitoring in a hospital setting. This kind of program may also be called day treatment.

Outpatient programs are more flexible than inpatient programs, allowing individuals to come and go more freely. For those needing support for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or mental illness, an outpatient program may be right for them if they have a strong support system at home or are living in a sober living environment. Outpatient programs generally have sessions a few times per week. Depending on the kind of outpatient program, intensive outpatient or general outpatient, the sessions may be daily or spread out further.

Also known as MAT, medication-assisted treatment can be a helpful tool in recovery, particularly when substance use and mental health conditions collide. Certain medications, such as suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone, can be used to help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal related to substance abuse. Additional medications may be used, too, as part of a medication management program for mental health. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be used to treat anxiety or depression, depending on the patient, their mental health condition’s severity, and their wishes.

Another feature of many dual diagnosis programs is the use of group therapy. While some people may think group therapy only involves sitting in a circle and talking about their feelings, the reality is that group therapy is much more than that. In group therapy, you connect with others who are going through similar challenges. You can listen or share without judgment. This kind of support group allows you to build a sense of community with others, eliminating isolation and helping you learn from others’ experiences.

Dialectical behavior therapy is best for those with self-harming behaviors, intense emotions, or borderline personality disorder, but it may be used in many other cases as well. DBT teaches four categories of practical skills, including:

1. Emotional regulation
2. Distress tolerance
3. Mindfulness
4. Interpersonal effectiveness

A dual diagnosis affects not only the individual dealing with it but also the people around them. Family therapy creates an opportunity to come together both in support of the individual’s recovery journey and to work through past issues that may lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In family therapy sessions, you and your loved ones will learn how to work together, strengthen your sense of support and community, and address any dynamics that could lead to relapse or unnecessary stress.

An integrated treatment program is the best and most effective treatment plan for someone with a dual diagnosis. Personalized treatment plans address mental health and substance use issues at the same time, not separately. At Reprieve, we consider your whole self and make a plan to address all concerns so you can have a successful recovery process. We work to support your recovery from all angles, helping to resolve substance abuse programs, provide mental health care, and effectively treat dual diagnosis conditions for long-term recovery.

While it’s important to have group therapy with peers, it is also just as vital to spend time working through individual therapy with professional counselors. One-on-one counseling is where much of the work happens; in individual sessions, you will discuss different factors involved in your mental health and substance use disorders. For example, you may explore your personal history, beliefs, or traumas.

Most importantly, individual therapy with a professional counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist is held in a safe, confidential environment.