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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment

Dual Diagnosis

Table of Contents

Author and Medical Reviewer:
Felicia Etuke
Director

New Jersey Dual Diagnosis Treatment Services

At Grace Abounds Recovery, we recognize that many individuals struggling with addiction also face co-occurring mental health disorders. This combination, known as dual diagnosis, presents unique challenges that require specialized and integrated treatment approaches. Our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment services in New Jersey are designed to address both addiction and mental health concerns concurrently, providing a holistic path to recovery.

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What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder in an individual. Common mental health issues that co-occur with addiction include depression disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others. These conditions can interact in complex ways, often exacerbating one another. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

The Interplay Between
Addiction and Mental Health

The relationship between addiction and mental health disorders is bidirectional and cyclical. At our dual diagnosis treatment facility in New Jersey, we take this into account when crafting treatment plans for our outpatient services.

Mental Health Disorders Worsening Addiction

Individuals with untreated or inadequately managed mental health issues may turn to substances as a form of self-medication. For example, someone with depression might use alcohol to temporarily alleviate feelings of sadness, while someone with anxiety might use drugs to calm their nerves. However, this self-medication can quickly lead to dependency and addiction.

Addiction Worsening Mental Health Disorders

Substance abuse can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. The chemical imbalances caused by drug or alcohol use can intensify symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Additionally, the lifestyle and consequences associated with addiction, such as relationship conflicts, legal problems, and financial issues, can further deteriorate mental well-being.

This vicious cycle can make recovery particularly challenging, necessitating a treatment approach that simultaneously addresses both aspects of the individual’s health.

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Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment at
Grace Abounds Recovery

At Grace Abounds Recovery, we employ a comprehensive and integrated approach to dual diagnosis treatment, focusing on both substance use and mental health disorders. Our program includes:

A man speaks about his experiences with dual diagnosis while in a group therapy session.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a fundamental component of our treatment model, offering numerous benefits for individuals with dual diagnosis:

  • Peer Support: Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges fosters a sense of community and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.
  • Skill Building: Group sessions provide opportunities to learn and practice coping strategies, communication skills, and relapse prevention techniques in a supportive environment.
  • Shared Insights: Participants gain valuable insights from the experiences and perspectives of others, which can aid in their own recovery journey.
  • Accountability: Regular group meetings create a structure that helps individuals stay accountable to their recovery goals.

Trauma-Based Program

Many individuals with dual diagnosis have experienced trauma, which can significantly impact both addiction and mental health. Our trauma-based program is designed to:

  • Address Underlying Trauma: Through evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-focused modalities, we help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
  • Create a Safe Environment: We prioritize creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals feel secure enough to explore and address their trauma.
  • Integrate Trauma and Addiction Treatment: By integrating trauma therapy with addiction treatment, we tackle the root causes of both conditions, promoting more effective and lasting recovery outcomes.
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We accept many insurances.

Please call us at 732-696-8162 so that we can discuss how your benefits may apply and assist you with completing an insurance verification.

Levels of Care at Our New Jersey Dual Diagnosis Therapy Center

At our dual diagnosis rehab center in New Jersey, we offer two main levels of care: an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). Each program provides a different level of support, but both include effective treatment options including group therapy, individual therapy, support groups, and family therapy. Our treatment modalities are designed to work together to enhance each patient’s overall wellness and address their individual needs.

Our program was developed with long-term recovery in mind. Our aftercare services include an open-door policy, where alumni are encourage to return to our center to share their accomplishments.

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The Importance of Trauma-Based Treatment For Dual Diagnosis

Trauma-based treatment is essential for dual diagnosis because it breaks the cycle of addiction by addressing the underlying causes, promotes overall mental health and well-being, reduces the risk of relapse, and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives in recovery. At Grace Abounds Recovery, we are committed to providing trauma-informed care as a cornerstone of our dual diagnosis treatment program, ensuring our patients receive the comprehensive support they need to heal and thrive.

Addressing Root Causes

Trauma is frequently a core underlying factor in the development and perpetuation of substance use disorders. Many individuals use substances as a way to cope with unresolved trauma and its associated symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. By addressing trauma directly, individuals can begin to heal from the experiences that have contributed to their substance use.

Enhanced Treatment Efficacy

Research shows that treating trauma alongside substance use disorders leads to better treatment outcomes. When trauma is left untreated, it can hinder progress in addiction recovery. By integrating trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed care, individuals can experience more comprehensive healing and are less likely to relapse.

Reduced Risk of Relapse

Trauma triggers and stressors often lead to relapse for individuals with dual diagnosis. Addressing trauma through therapy can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the likelihood of using substances to manage emotional distress. This is essential for sustaining long-term recovery.

Improved Mental Health Outcomes

Individuals with dual diagnosis often struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, that are linked to trauma. Trauma-focused therapy sessions can help alleviate symptoms of these disorders, improve overall mental health, and enhance quality of life.

Building Resilience and Self-Efficacy

Trauma-focused mental health disorder treatment empowers individuals by helping them process traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. As they work through their trauma, clients often develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and self-efficacy, which are critical for maintaining sobriety and managing mental health challenges.

Holistic Approach to Recovery

Treating trauma alongside addiction ensures a more holistic approach to recovery, addressing all facets of an individual's well-being—physical, emotional, and psychological. This comprehensive approach increases the likelihood of sustained recovery and supports the individual in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Tailored and Individualized Care

Dual diagnosis requires personalized treatment plans that consider each individual's unique needs, experiences, and challenges. Trauma-based treatment allows for this customization, ensuring that therapy and interventions are tailored to address both addiction and trauma effectively.

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Our New Jersey Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

At Grace Abounds Recovery, we understand that dual diagnosis requires a nuanced and integrated approach. Our program is dedicated to addressing the complexities of co-occurring disorders and helping individuals achieve and maintain recovery. By providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care and fostering a supportive community, we empower our patients to overcome dual diagnosis and build fulfilling, sober lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, contact us today to learn more about our specialized dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey.

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