Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey

Understanding Dual Diagnosis and Why It Matters

Dual diagnosis is when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (also called co-occurring disorders) at the same time. Research shows that many people develop a substance use disorder after being diagnosed with a mental illness, and vice versa…. [4] The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 35 percent of all adults with a mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder [2]. The same risk factors (genetics, environmental influences, trauma, and stress) contribute to both disorders [3]. When both occur, it is common for them to make each other worse, and treating the disorders separately often does not work in the long term because one can lead to the other.

Due to the severity of dual diagnosis, it has become a serious public health concern. Many people who struggle with dual diagnosis may be at an increased risk for hospitalization, employment and relationship problems, and poor health outcomes. Early identification and intervention through integrated treatment are essential keys to recovery.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey Is Crucial

The best outcome for recovery is when an individual receives integrated care for both their mental health and substance use disorders at the same time. Studies have shown that when individuals receive integrated treatment for both of these conditions, the chances of positive outcome for both disorders increase compared to when treated separately [1].

Dual diagnosis programs assist participants with the following:

• Identify and address the underlying issues contributing to the person’s addiction and mental health symptoms. For most individuals, substance use is a coping mechanism used to manage their depression, anxiety, trauma, or other distressing feelings. An integrated or comprehensive program identifies the individual’s underlying issues and teaches them healthier coping strategies.
• Reduce the risk of relapse by helping them establish mood stabilization and craving management through therapy and, when appropriate, medication.Therapy and medication intervention for mental health disorders will significantly minimize returning symptoms that may prompt substance use to manage their symptoms.
• Improve their overall wellness by providing services that help them rebuild self-esteem, repair relationships, and regain a sense of purpose.
• Provide access to a coordinated system of care – A dual diagnosis program offers a person access to both psychiatric care (medication and therapy) and medical care and links them to other supportive resources available in their community, all under one integrated treatment plan.

Signs You May Be in Need of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Recognizing that you may need help is the first step to taking action to seek treatment. If you or someone you love has experienced the following symptoms, you may benefit from enrolling in a dual diagnosis program:

• Chronic sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from enjoyable activities
• Racing thoughts, restlessness, and feelings of constant worry or physical tension related to anxiety
• The presence of mood swings that disrupt or adversely impact relationships and routine
• Experiences paranoid delusions (seeing or hearing things that do not exist) or experiences a chaotic thought process
• Substance use for coping with painful feelings (stress, trauma, etc.)
• Has difficulty controlling their substance use and experiences cravings and physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop using substances.
• Has previously engaged in treatment for substance use; however, upon discontinuation of care, they relapsed due to the inability to address underlying mental health needs.

If any of these symptoms apply to you, our dedicated staff can help determine whether an integrated program of care fits your individual needs.

How Epiphany Wellness Provides Dual Diagnosis Treatments For Their Community

Epiphany Wellness has developed an integrated dual diagnosis treatment program that emphasizes a holistic approach. The principle of treating the “whole client” – not just the symptoms – is central to our treatment philosophy, and we achieve this through several means:

Comprehensive Assessment – The first step in your journey is a complete biopsychosocial evaluation, where our clinicians will review your mental health history, substance use history, and present medical status, including any medical conditions, medications, safety needs, and trauma history or other underlying issues. This assessment allows our care team to determine the most effective treatment approach for each individual by developing an individualized treatment plan addressing all aspects of the client’s total wellbeing.

Integrated Treatment Plan – We develop an integrated treatment plan that covers both mental health and substance use disorders, tailoring each individual’s plan according to their unique needs. In addition, we conduct regular assessments to monitor the client’s progress and adjust medications as needed and determine how to best transition to a lower level of care, such as inpatient, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient.

Evidence-Based Therapies and Medications – Our program employs evidence-based therapies to help clients identify and understand their conditions and acquire more effective coping strategies than using substances to manage symptoms. The following are examples of some of the evidence-based therapies available in our dual diagnosis program:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches clients to identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which promotes self-regulation of emotions and distress tolerance and interpersonal skills.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI), which helps clients strengthen their desire to change and take ownership of their recovery.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which helps clients process their traumatic memories and begin to heal emotional pain.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which teaches clients to be mindful and act according to their core values.

Medication Management: Psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications) and medications to aid in the treatment of substance use disorders (e.g., buprenorphine and naltrexone when indicated). A client using both types of medication will have more positive health outcomes than a person receiving medication for only one of the dual diagnoses [1].

Holistic and Wellness Services – Our program acknowledges that a person’s physical health and overall wellness play a vital role in their recovery from substance use disorder and mental health disorder(s). Our program includes services that will assist individuals in restoring energy and improving mood through nutritional and fitness coaching; promoting relaxation, stress management, and overall health through mindfulness and meditation; assisting clients in processing their emotions through artistic forms of expression and experiential therapy; and aiding in the restoration of healthy, daily routines through sleep and routine support.

Family Involvement and Support – Our program believes families must be engaged in the recovery of their loved ones for recovery to be successful. Therefore, our counselors provide family education and facilitate family therapy sessions, which improve communication, re-establish trust, and create a positive, supportive home environment. In addition, when clients are engaged in family treatment, it allows family members access to numerous community resources throughout the state of New Jersey.

Levels of Care You Can Expect at a Dual Diagnosis Rehab in NJ

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – This is a full-day treatment program that focuses on the stabilization of symptoms, therapy, and skill-building while allowing clients to return home in the evening.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – This program consists of a minimum of three hours of therapy and support services a week and is designed to allow clients to fulfill their work or school obligations.

Outpatient & Aftercare Services – Ongoing therapy and support groups and alumni programs to maintain progress and prevent relapse.

Continuum of Care – We recognize that a client’s continuity of care after completing treatment for a dual diagnosis will determine their long-term success. Following initial stabilization, clients can transition to all levels of care based on their unique needs:

Conditions We Treat

Epiphany Wellness’s Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in New Jersey provides treatment for a wide variety of mental health and substance use disorders, including:

Depression – A person with depression may be characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness, lethargy, loss of interest, or apathy; symptoms can worsen with substance use [5]. An individual may be treated with antidepressant medications and ongoing treatment that incorporates evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge negative thought patterns, supportive group therapy to build connections with others in recovery, and the importance of developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends.

Anxiety disorders – (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and PTSD) can cause chronic worry, racing thoughts and flashbacks. Some people will use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their anxiety [5]. Our treatment for anxiety includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and when necessary, medications.

Bipolar disorder – is characterized by extremes in mood; depressed to manic. Substances of abuse may make symptoms worse or disguise them. Our integrated treatment approach includes mood stabilizers, psychoeducation, and the development of coping skills and routines.

PTSD – or trauma-related issues occur when trauma makes it difficult for an individual to cope; it’s a way for the individual to escape painful memories. EMDR as well as trauma informed therapy can address trauma while treating addiction.

ADHD – is correlated with increased risk for substance abuse; studies indicate that particular areas of the brain that are linked with ADHD are also linked with cravings for drugs or alcohol [3]. Medications immediately available to treat ADHD include stimulant and non-stimulant options, along with behavioral strategies and coaching on how to enhance focus and decrease impulsivity.

Personality disorders – like Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders are characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms often coincide with substance misuse [5]. DBT and long term psychotherapy can assist clients with building emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.

OCD – Individuals who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and impulse control disorders typically have intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. Their symptoms may drive them toward substance use to temporarily relieve their anxiety. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and pharmacologic management are typically used within treatment.

Psychotic disorders – such as Schizophrenia, are associated with hallucinations and/or delusions. The use of alcohol and/or drugs could exacerbate psychotic episodes [6]. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medication, psychoeducation and supportive therapy.

Every client has a unique story and we personalize our treatment methods to fit each client’s symptoms, strengths, and goals. Our team works closely with you to develop a plan that will evolve and grow with you.

Advantages of Dual Diagnosis Treatment vs. Standalone Rehabilitation

Compared to traditional drug rehab or therapy alone, treating clients with dual diagnoses has several advantages, including:

Comprehensive Healing: Combining treatment that focuses on mental health and addiction creates opportunities for disrupting cycles of addiction and recovery.

Increased Retention of Treatment: Clients with co-occurring disorders often have trouble remaining in treatment; integrated dual diagnosis programs are designed to provide support that helps clients adhere to the recommended treatment [1].

Reduction in Relapse Rates and Need for Emergency Intervention: Dual diagnosis treatment reduces relapse risk by helping clients stabilize their moods, mitigate cravings, and build coping skills. As a result, the demand for emergency services decreases.

Improved Long-Term Outcome: Compared to treating the two disorders separately, research shows that integrated dual diagnosis treatment provides clients with better outcomes [1].

Holistic Healing: The integration of mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellness promotes ongoing recovery and resilience.

Why Epiphany Wellness in New Jersey?

Expert licensed clinicians – Our team consists of (but is not limited to): psychiatrists, mental health counselors, addiction specialists, and peer recovery coaches – who work as a team to develop a coordinated care plan that addresses the needs of the whole person.

Humanized Care: We view you as a complete person, not just a diagnosis. We listen carefully, build trust, and tailor our treatment to meet your unique needs.

Small Group Size: Because of the smaller group sizes, you receive a greater level of individual support as well as a close-knit network of support from others.

Family Involvement: We educate families on how to support their loved ones through the recovery process, as well as help them heal their relationships.

Pay With Insurance: We accept most major insurances and will work to reduce the cost to you. We have an admissions team who will verify your coverage and help you with your options.

Continuum of Care: We offer a complete continuum of care from detox to outpatient services so that clients do not have to transition through multiple agencies. This creates a smoother transition to the next stage of their recovery and helps keep clients connected to supportive services.

Connections to Community Resources: We work to connect our clients with resources in their community in New Jersey that can help them with their recovery, including support groups, job assistance programs, and sober living arrangements.