60% of adolescents with addiction also struggle with an additional mental health disorder. This condition is known as dual diagnosis. Despite dual diagnosis being a common phenomenon, it wasn’t until recent decades that a holistic approach addressing both conditions simultaneously was adopted. Even now, not every rehab will offer specialized treatment. If you are looking for drug counseling in NJ for mental health support, you might as well look for dual diagnosis treatment centers.
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Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is also known as co-occurring or comorbidity disorder. Understanding the causal relationship is similar to whether the chicken or the egg came first. Sometimes, mental health issues can contribute to addiction, while other times, addiction may give rise to mental health disorders. Some other causes of dual diagnosis include:
- Family history
- Trauma
- Stress
Treating co-occurring disorders is not easy as its diagnosis is not simple. The symptoms often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between the two.
Role of Drug Counseling Center in Fighting Co-occurring Disorders
Drug counseling centers offer behavioral interventions to address psychological withdrawal as well as mental health issues. This is done with the help of a certified addiction counselor who will:
- Assess
- Plan
- Implement
- Educate
Assessment is the first step that allows healthcare providers to pinpoint the issue and then plan the treatment accordingly. Apart from implementing strategies for you, they can also involve your family with your consent. Some therapies used at a drug counseling center involve:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
What are the Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders
While addiction can co-occur with any mental health disorder, some conditions are more prevalent.
A. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is characterized by impulsive behavior, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity. Almost 8.7 million people in the US have ADHD. There is a close link between ADHD and substance use disorders (SUDs). It puts individuals more at risk of developing addiction.
Commonly Abused Drugs |
Examples |
Stimulants | Meth, cocaine, and even prescription ADHD medications |
Depressants | Alcohol or opioids. |
Sedatives | Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, etc. |
Do People with ADHD abuse Prescription Stimulants?
Adderall and other stimulants do have a potential for abuse. Those with the tendency to abuse drugs need to be monitored to mitigate the risk. Some ways to ensure safety with co-occurring ADHD are:
- Getting in touch with a dual diagnosis specialist
- Taking dosages as per the provider’s prescription
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms with the help of therapy
It is commonly believed that prescription medications like Adderall are misused by people with ADHD. In reality, even depressants like opioids and alcohol are quite commonly abused. One in every five individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) was also diagnosed with ADHD in a study.
“Prescription medications for ADHD intrinsically are not as hazardous. However, since there is a potential for abuse, someone with a pre-existing SUD needs to undergo specialized treatment, which is focused on monitoring the progress and addressing both conditions simultaneously.”
Susan Gentile, Adult Nurse Practitioner
“Prescription medications for ADHD intrinsically are not as hazardous. However, since there is a potential for abuse, someone with a pre-existing SUD needs to undergo specialized treatment, which is focused on monitoring the progress and addressing both conditions simultaneously.”
Susan Gentile, Adult Nurse Practitioner
B. Anxiety Disorders
40 million people in the US struggle with anxiety use disorder. Many people with mental illnesses like anxiety will move towards alcohol and substances as a means to soothe themselves from negative emotions.
If the symptoms resonate with you, contacting a dual diagnosis treatment center like ChoicePoint is better. Learn more about comorbidity here. Call us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form for more queries and treatment.
C. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions co-occurring with addiction. The National Center for PTSD informs that about 44.6% of individuals who struggle with PTSD also meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Also, Veterans in the study with lifelong PTSD were 2 times more likely to struggle with drug use disorders.
Why Do PTSD Sufferers Struggle with Addiction?
While researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause, there are some trauma-linked reasons.
- Long-term trauma alters the brain and has lasting effects
- Persistent abuse
- Childhood neglect
- Actively indulging in a war or living in a war-zone
PTSD is quite complex to diagnose on its own and even more so when addiction comes into the equation.
Overlapping Symptoms of PTSD and Addiction
A study conducted specifically on individuals with PTSD+SUD vs. only PTSD concluded that the following symptoms were more heightened in the former group:
- Sleep disturbances
- More exposure to traumatic events
- Hypervigilance
- Getting startled
While the symptoms may go unnoticed by a nonmedical person, an addiction and mental health specialist can certainly determine these specific issues. Therefore, talk to a professional today. You may call 844.445.2565 or enter your information in this form.
What’s the Solution?
1) Find a facility that treats both addiction and mental health disorders
2) Get appropriate assessment and diagnosis of co-occurring disorder)
3) Getting Medication prescriptions. (Depending on the SUD, safe dosage determined by the doctor)
4) Undergoing CBT, DBT, or other forms of therapy
5) Continual care (aftercare)
What’s the Solution?
1) Find a facility that treats both addiction and mental health disorders
2) Get appropriate assessment and diagnosis of co-occurring disorder)
3) Getting Medication prescriptions. (Depending on the SUD, safe dosage determined by the doctor)
4) Undergoing CBT, DBT, or other forms of therapy
5) Continual care (aftercare)
D. Clinical Depression
Depression and anxiety are highly associated with SUDs. Many people with SUDs self-medicate on drugs and alcohol as they provide temporary relief. However, in the long run, these substances exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Overlapping Symptoms of Depression and Addiction
As is the case with other co-occurring disorders, diagnosis of addiction and depression is also challenging because some symptoms overlap. These include:
- Irritability
- Trouble having a normal life
- Not accepting that you have a problem
- Financial issues
- Issues in interpersonal relationships
- Not being able to stop even after trying
Getting treatment from certified practicing alcohol and drug counseling at the NJ Center rehab is very important. Call our providers for an integrated treatment or fill out this form.
A Gender Perspective of Addictive Disorders
Choose a Certified Drug Counseling Center for the Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders
You should contact rehabs like ChoicePoint, a Fairlawn, New Jersey facility, to get dual diagnosis treatment. Governmental agencies also encourage individuals to go for treatment that addresses both conditions together rather than separately. All you need to do is call at 844.445.2565 or register yourself here to undergo the following specialized treatments:
- Veterans Addiction Treatment Program (for veterans struggling with addiction)
- Criminal Justice Addiction Treatment Program (for inmates or other people struggling with mental health disorders and addiction simultaneously)
- Students Addiction Treatment Program (for individuals combating SUDs while also not wanting to jeopardize studies)
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment (if you wish a specialized treatment addressing addiction and mental illnesses simultaneously)
All these treatments are personalized and highly niche so that all the aspects of both conditions are catered to.
Admission Guide to Drug Counseling Center in NJ
Getting admitted to a drug counseling center involves the following steps:
- Calling our rehab center at 844.445.2565 or via this form
- Once you’ve sought our help, our assistant will schedule an appointment
- The first thing you will need to do is verify your insurance (if any)
- E-forms will be shared with you to enter the necessary info
- After the paperwork is done, you will sit with the primary healthcare provider
- Together, you can initiate your journey!
These steps are not long and tedious, nor do they require a lengthy wait time. Our staff ensures the comfort of our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions by Our Patients
Despite being highly prevalent, there are still many misconceptions about addiction and mental health disorders. Our FAQs will address your concerns.
How Does Stress Lead to Addiction?
Stress and mental health disorders are considered one of the main contributors to substance use disorders. Chronic stress can lead to changes in brain chemistry, leading to depression and anxiety. Addiction is highly likely if drug use is brought into the equation.
Is There a Link Between ADHD and Addiction?
Clinical studies have found a strong link between addiction and ADHD. Individuals with ADHD are more likely to develop substance use disorders.
Is ADHD a Dopamine Addiction?
A person with ADHD has lower levels of dopamine, which can make them crave it. To do so, some people may turn to substances to self-medicate and feel relieved.
What Is the Relationship Between Addiction and Depression?
Substance misuse can lead to depression and vice versa. Both conditions are worsened by each other, which is why it is important to undergo a specialized addiction treatment program.
What Medication Is Used for Dual Diagnosis?
Medications are prescribed depending on the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder. The dosages are given after a proper assessment of the individual.
Drug Counseling NJ Rehab Center Accept Insurance?
Many rehab centers accept insurance programs. To verify your insurance with ChoicePoint, complete this online form and start your recovery with certified dual diagnosis specialists.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.