One of the most common forms of addiction, alcohol use disorder, requires specialized treatment plans that address both the physical dependence and the psychological aspects of alcohol addiction. Give us a call to learn more about our alcohol treatment program in New Jersey.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Craving alcohol
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking or sweating when not drinking
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol, requiring more to feel its effects

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Drinking more or for longer periods than intended
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite negative consequences to relationships, work, or health

This includes dependencies on prescription painkillers (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone) as well as illicit opioids like heroin. Given the opioid epidemic’s impact, including in New Jersey, opioid treatment often involves medication-assisted therapy alongside counseling.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Noticeable euphoria or marked sedation
  • Constricted (“pinned”) pupils
  • Sudden changes in weight
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Physical agitation or drowsiness
  • Neglect of personal hygiene

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Doctor shopping (visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain prescriptions)
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Sudden financial problems or unexplained need for money
  • Illegal activities such as forging prescriptions or buying drugs off the street
  • Using opioids in higher amounts or more often than prescribed

• Psychological Indicators:
  • Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli
  • Mood swings or emotional volatility
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Decreased motivation
  • Cravings for opioids

Treatment for addiction to stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, focuses on managing withdrawal symptoms and behavioral therapy to address the underlying reasons for drug use.

Signs and Symptoms of Simulant Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Dilated pupils
  • Reduced appetite, leading to weight loss
  • Insomnia or significantly altered sleep patterns
  • Physical exhaustion

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
  • Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
  • Financial difficulties due to spending money on drugs
  • Legal problems related to drug use

• Psychological Indicators:
  • Feelings of euphoria or excessively high energy
  • Increased alertness
  • Anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks
  • Aggressive or violent behavior
  • Hallucinations or delusions (in severe cases)

Dependence on benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, requires careful management due to the complex nature of withdrawal from these substances.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Increased tolerance, needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors when not taking the drug
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor coordination or dizziness

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions)
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Neglecting responsibilities and interests
  • Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence
  • Illegal activities, like forging prescriptions or buying benzos on the black market

As attitudes and laws regarding marijuana use change, more individuals seek help for marijuana use disorder. Treatment focuses on behavioral therapies to help manage dependency.

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Red, bloodshot eyes
  • Increased appetite or “munchies”
  • Dry mouth
  • Slowed reaction times and impaired coordination

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Using more marijuana than intended or over a longer period than planned
  • Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control marijuana use
  • Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana
  • Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of marijuana

This category includes various medications beyond opioids, such as stimulants prescribed for ADHD or sedatives. Treatment for prescription drugs involves addressing the misuse of these medications while managing the conditions they were originally prescribed for.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

• Physical Signs:
  • Noticeable changes in energy levels, either increased or decreased
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Deterioration in personal grooming and physical appearance
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug

• Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Doctor shopping, or visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed
  • Using prescription drugs for reasons other than prescribed (e.g., to feel euphoric)
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
  • Isolating from family and friends or changing social circles

The relationship between mental health and addiction is complex and multifaceted, with substantial evidence suggesting a bidirectional connection where each can influence the onset and progression of the other. This interplay creates a cycle that can complicate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery processes. Understanding the issues surrounding mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Substance abuse can trigger the onset of mental health problems or worsen existing conditions. The distress resulting from the lifestyle changes and consequences of substance abuse—such as social isolation, financial problems, and legal issues—can further aggravate mental health disorders. This creates a vicious cycle where each condition may perpetuate the other, complicating recovery efforts