Dual Diagnosis Programs for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction in New Jersey

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Medically Verified: December 22, 2023

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

treatment for bipolar disorder and addiction in New Jersey

Dual Diagnosis Programs for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction in New Jersey

Addiction is a common issue, affecting about 46.3 million people in 2021.[1] As if struggling with substance abuse is not enough, many people also have underlying mental health conditions that exacerbate their addictions. 

When someone has both a mental illness and an addiction, this is known as having co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 9.2 million people suffer from co-occurring disorders.[2]

While any mental health condition can co-occur with addiction, one of the most common ones is bipolar disorder. Due to the severe symptoms this disorder can cause, many people begin abusing drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Unfortunately, this only leads to a vicious cycle of mental illness and addiction. 

Bipolar disorder and addiction are treatable. A dual diagnosis treatment center in New Jersey can provide comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder and addiction at the same time.

How is Bipolar and Addiction Connected?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience periods of mania and depression. Sometimes, they experience extreme highs and lows that affect their energy levels, mood, and activity. Dealing with these drastic mood changes can be incredibly difficult, often leading people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. 

Additionally, mania causes people with depression to experience impulsivity. In other words, they act without thinking about the long-term consequences. As a result, they might engage in dangerous behaviors like excessive substance abuse. 

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders among people with bipolar disorder is at least 40%.[3]

Because addiction is so common among people with bipolar disorder, having treatment programs specifically designed to treat the combination of these conditions is vital. 

How Do Dual Diagnosis Programs for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction in New Jersey Work?

When you have comorbid bipolar disorder and addiction, you must receive treatment for both conditions simultaneously. Otherwise, the symptoms of one condition will cause a relapse in the treated one over time. Thankfully, dual diagnosis programs in New Jersey combine traditional substance abuse treatment with clinically proven services for bipolar disorder.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Assessment 

When you arrive at a treatment program for bipolar disorder and substance abuse, the first step is an assessment. The medical staff will ask you questions about your mental health, history of bipolar disorder, physical health, and substance abuse history. This information will then be used to create an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Medical Detox

Once your treatment plan is created, you will begin medical detox. When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, your body begins to rely on it to function properly, and suddenly stopping the use of a substance will result in withdrawal symptoms. 

Medical detox provides the treatment and medication you need to remain safe and comfortable throughout withdrawal. The type of treatment you are given will depend on what substance you are addicted to. 

Individualized Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Individualized therapy for both bipolar disorder and addiction is a personalized approach aimed at addressing the unique challenges presented by these co-occurring conditions. It typically involves a combination of various therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific needs, symptoms, and circumstances of each person.

Various types of psychotherapy are used to help individuals with bipolar disorder cope with their symptoms. They can also be used to help those with drug or alcohol addiction identify negative behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. Some of the most widely used therapies for bipolar disorder include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps clients identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors, aiding in managing mood swings and addressing addiction triggers.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Focuses on developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, and is beneficial for managing impulsivity and addictive behaviors.

You will receive therapy on both an individual and group basis. While individual therapy helps you gain an in-depth understanding of your bipolar disorder and the root causes of your addiction, group counseling allows you to build communication skills and gain insights into recovery from your peers.

Medication Management: Managing Bipolar Disorder with Medication

In addition to therapy, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are usually managed using medications. These medications are designed to keep your mood even, which means the risk of experiencing severe manic and depressive episodes is significantly lowered.

Common types of medication for bipolar disorder include:

  • Mood stabilizers like Lithium
  • Anticonvulsants like Depakote or Lamictal 
  • Antipsychotics like Seroquel or Zyprexa 

Sometimes, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used in combination with mood stabilizers or antipsychotics. However, the use of SSRIs is controversial, as many believe they can trigger manic episodes and mood cycling.

Aftercare Services for Extended Wellbeing

Once you are stabilized on medication and have completed therapy for both bipolar disorder and addiction, you will be ready to leave your treatment program. Dual diagnosis programs for bipolar disorder and addiction in New Jersey provide aftercare services to alumni. In other words, you will still have access to support once you leave the facility.

Examples of aftercare services include:

  • Continued therapy
  • Medication management 
  • Referrals to outpatient rehab and sober living programs 
  • Recommendations on local support groups to attend 
  • Access to an alumni support group
  • Case management services like vocational assistance 

Find Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Addiction in New Jersey

If you or a loved one suffers from comorbid bipolar disorder and addiction, it’s time to seek help. At Living Room New Jersey, we can offer you the tools and support you need to achieve long-lasting recovery. 

At The Living Room, we recognize that the path to recovery is both a personal and financial journey. We’re deeply committed to guiding you through the process of securing the right coverage for your treatment needs. Our goal is to ensure that financial considerations don’t stand in the way of your well-being. Let us assist you with information, clarity, and trusted referrals to make your insurance journey as seamless as your road to recovery.

To learn more about our dual diagnosis rehab program in New Jersey, contact us today. 

References:

  1. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
  2. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
  3. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): The prevalence and significance of substance use disorders in bipolar type I and II disorder, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2094705/

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