If you have been suffering from substance abuse, you may be feeling as though there is no way to overcome this problem in your life. Often, those who struggle with alcoholism or drug abuse feel stuck, as if in a maze that has no exit. But, there is hope for you and everyone else who suffers. And, if you live in or near Hackensack, NJ, know that there are drug and alcohol addiction resources that can help you find your way to freedom!

Addiction affects people all over the world. So, unfortunately, residents of Hackensack, New Jersey are not exempt. Very communities, including Bergen County where Hackensack is located, have been left untouched by the effects of substance abuse. But, thankfully, many areas throughout New Jersey have worked to provide services and resources that can help individuals who are dealing with addiction. Learning more about these sources can assist you in moving toward a life of sobriety.

The Department of Human Services offers some insight through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Office of Planning, Research, Evaluation and Prevention.

According to the Department’s 2017 Overview of Bergen County:

• There were 3,625 substance abuse treatment admissions among Bergen County residents in 2017.
• There were 335 admissions in Hackensack City.
• 108 of the Hackensack admissions involved alcohol abuse.
• 41 of the Hackensack admissions involved cocaine or crack abuse.
• Heroin abuse was involved in 104 of the Hackensack admissions

The Department’s 2018 Overview of Bergen County states that:

• There were 3,793 substance abuse treatment admissions among Bergen County residents, showing a slight increase from the prior year.
• There were 370 admissions in Hackensack City, showing yet another increase from 2017.
• 121 of the Hackensack admissions involved alcohol abuse.
• 29 of the Hackensack admissions involved cocaine or crack abuse.
• Heroin abuse was involved in 132 of the Hackensack City admissions

You may feel alone in your struggle with addiction. But, many others are suffering from substance use disorder, too. Thankfully, though, there is hope for individuals who are dealing with these issues. The resources that are available in Hackensack, Bergen County, and the rest of New Jersey can help you end alcohol or drug abuse!

Bergen County residents can take advantage of the many resources that are available to help individuals who are suffering from substance abuse. These resources include the following:

• Detox
• Assessments
• Outpatient programs
• Halfway house services
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
• Residential services (short-term)

These services are provided by the Bergen County Department of Health Services Office of Alcohol and Drug Dependency. Also known as the OADD, this department offers these resources to help prevent and treat alcoholism and drug addiction. Fortunately, the Office of Alcohol and Drug Dependency provides these services at no cost to those Bergen County citizens who are underinsured on uninsured.

In order to take full advantage of substance use disorder services and resources, it’s necessary to have an understanding of these sources. Knowing more about them and how they can help you will allow you to make a more informed decision about which services are best for you. Having this knowledge may also help you to feel more comfortable as you begin searching for a rehab facility.

Detoxification

Commonly referred to as “detox”, detoxification is often the first process people go through in recovery. It is typically the beginning of the treatment process because it helps people to end substance use before they move on to the next phase of rehab.

Detoxification is a process by which individuals safely end the use of alcohol or drugs. When a person is suffering from addiction, it means that his or her body literally depends on drugs or alcohol. The individual does not feel “normal” when they are not under the influence of these substances. This is because, when the body doesn’t get what it is used to having, it experiences symptoms of withdrawal.

During a detox program, those in treatment typically undergo a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) process. In other words, people who are working to end substance abuse can do so with the help of medications under the guidance of professionals. The medications used in MAT work to make withdrawal more comfortable and safe for those who are trying to end addiction. Detox also cleanses the body from any toxins released by drugs and alcohol.

About Withdrawal

These symptoms vary depending on various factors. For instance, the type of substance a person is using will determine the withdrawal symptoms he or she experiences. Also, the length of time an individual has been using the substance will affect the withdrawal symptoms. But, here are some of the withdrawal symptoms a person may experience when ending substance use:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Panic attacks
• Stiff muscles
• Aching muscles
• Memory problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Excessive sweating
• Abnormal heartbeat

Some more severe and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms may also occur in some instances. These might include:

• Fever
• Seizures
• Delirium
• Hallucinations

If individuals suffer from serious and severe withdrawal symptoms, coma or death may even occur. So, it is very important for people to have professional supervision as they go through withdrawal. This is what makes detox programs such necessary components of treatment.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment

A residential or inpatient treatment program is often the next step in treatment after detox. While in a residential program, patients live at their rehab center until the program is over. This grants people 24/7, round-the-clock access to medical and therapeutic attention. Individuals who are striving to overcome addiction may struggle to remain emotionally and mentally free from addiction, even if they are not physically using drugs or alcohol. After all, recovery is a process, a journey. So, it’s helpful to have support and guidance throughout the recovery process.

Fortunately, individuals who may face challenges as they work toward sobriety can get the support and help that they need while in a residential program. Also, inpatient programs include various therapies that can help people to overcome the effects of addiction.

Here are some of the therapy approaches that may be involved in residential care programs:

Individual therapy

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Relapse prevention
• Trauma processing
• Psychotherapy

Group therapy

• Interpersonal process group
• Skills development group
• Relapse prevention group

Residential treatment can be extremely effective and helpful for individuals who are beginning their journey to recovery. This type of program is often considered best for those who have severe cases of addiction. Still, it’s certainly best to consult with a medical professional in order to determine whether or not inpatient treatment will work well for you.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An IOP may sometimes be the next step after inpatient treatment. It is unlike residential treatment in that it doesn’t require people to live at a rehab center. Still, those who enroll in an intensive outpatient program still have access to supervision and medical care throughout the treatment process.

Those in an intensive outpatient program usually attend treatment sessions several hours per week. This ensures that individuals are getting the help they need in order to remain free from addiction. But, the fact that this type of treatment program does not require people to live at their rehab center is often one of the main reasons why individuals opt for it. Those in an IOP can continue living at home throughout their treatment. Some may even be able to work part-time or take care of other responsibilities.

However, this option is not advisable for those who do not have a supportive environment at home. For instance, if a person in recovery lives with someone who is in active addiction, home is not likely a safe place for recovery. Also, an individual who lives with family members or friends who might not hold them accountable may not benefit from living at home during treatment. People who are considering this treatment option should definitely speak with professional counselors in order to figure out the best course of action.

Outpatient Treatment Program

An outpatient program can sometimes be referred to as a “step-down” from an IOP or a residential program. Those who go through an outpatient program are not required to live at their rehab facility. Instead, they can live at home and still get the help that they need by attending treatment and therapy sessions for a certain amount of hours every week.

The hourly requirement for outpatient clients may vary depending on the facility. However, in many cases, individuals go to rehab for 5-7 days every week during the day time.

Just as is the case with residential and intensive outpatient programs, individuals in outpatient care still have the advantages that come with therapy. Those in an outpatient program can engage in various therapeutic approaches for continued care and guidance as they pursue a life that is free from addiction.

Dual diagnosis cases occur more often than most people may think. These are cases that involve people who suffer from addiction in addition to mental health disorders. For example, a person may struggle with alcohol abuse, as well as an anxiety disorder. Or, a person who has post-traumatic stress disorder may also suffer from a heroin dependence problem.

When a person has co-occurring disorders, it’s absolutely important for him or her to get the treatment that will address both disorders. A dual diagnosis program works to do just that. While in this type of program, individuals can get the help they need in order to overcome addiction. But, they will also get support and develop the skills they need for managing the symptoms of mental illness.

If you’ve been looking for a treatment center in Hackensack, New Jersey or in another area of the state, you may be facing a lot of uncertainty. Maybe you’re not sure where to start. Or, perhaps you’re worried that you might enroll in the wrong rehab program. It can be difficult to figure out exactly which addiction treatment center is best for you. So, it’s important to consider your personal needs and how or if the rehab center in question can meet those needs. Simply put, it’s best to figure out if a treatment facility can do for you what needs to be done.

As you search for the right rehab facility for you, think about the following questions:

• Is this facility far from my home or nearby? Will I need to travel out of my community, city, or county?
• Does this treatment center offer a detoxification program?
• Does the facility have a residential or inpatient treatment program?
• Is there an intensive outpatient program or an outpatient program at this facility?
• What kind of therapy approaches does this rehab center offer?
• How long will the treatment process take?
• How much does rehab cost there? Will they accept my insurance?
• Can my family visit me?
• How will this facility work to meet my mental health needs?

It is necessary to evaluate your personal needs as you begin seeking professional help. Remember that your needs are unique, your story is one that is specific to your own life. Finding a treatment facility that recognizes this truth can definitely make all the difference.

Here at North Jersey Recovery Center, we are committed to helping our clients find peace. We believe that each individual deserves the freedom that comes through recovery from addiction. So, our mission is to assist each and every patient on the journey to an addiction-free life.

If you’ve been suffering from the effects of addiction, today is the day, and now is the time to find hope. Please allow us to walk with you as you build a new and healthier life. There is certainly hope for you; recovery is only a phone call away! Contact us today to learn how we can help you end addiction in your life.