Substance abuse and addiction don’t exist in a nutshell–addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue that includes various psychological and psychosocial elements. More often than not, addiction is the result of unresolved emotions, painful traumatic experiences, or complex mood and mental health conditions. As a result, the best way to overcome addiction is by treating the root cause. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand the importance of treating co-occurring disorders and providing holistic care to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction. We believe that by addressing the root causes of addiction and providing comprehensive care, individuals can achieve lasting sobriety and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Mental Health
Moving Mountains Recovery, based in Randolph, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive and unique approach to addiction recovery.
Medically Verified: September 22, 2023
Medical Reviewer:
Kelly Donald
Kelly Donald
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Kelly is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration in mental health at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Kelly has fourteen years nursing experience as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, and Advanced Practice Nurse in both psychiatric and substance use disorder settings. She has worked in inpatient settings as well as provided community nursing as a Nurse Practitioner. Kelly brings empathy to an underserved population and her clients share that they feel listened to without judgement.
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
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What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a broad term that refers to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Your mental health can affect the way you think, feel, and behave and can affect you at any point in your life–from childhood to adulthood. Your mental health can change, too. It may get worse with certain life stressors and better with positive changes. A mental health condition, or mental illness, interferes with your ability to function, maintain relationships, cope with stress, and make healthy choices. Mental health conditions are more common in people who have a family history of mental health problems, have experienced trauma or abuse, or have certain biological factors. If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health or you may have a medical condition, you can recover with the right treatment and support.
Common Mental Health Conditions
More than 43.8 million adults experience mental illness in any given year, meaning 1 in every 5 Americans experiences mental illness. Some of the most common mental health conditions are:
Depression
A mental health condition or mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. There are several different types of depression, including Clinical Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and Postpartum Depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are mood disorders characterized by a state of excessive worry, fear, or apprehension often accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate or sweating, which can interfere with daily functioning. Common types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder marked by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression (low mood and energy). There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact one’s ability to focus and manage tasks effectively. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children, however, it is becoming increasingly common to be diagnosed in adulthood.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) that one feels must be performed to alleviate anxiety related to the obsessions.
Schizoaffective Disorder
A complex mental health disorder that combines symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, with mood disorder symptoms like mania or depression.
Personality Disorders
This encompasses a group of conditions that are defined by patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from societal expectations and cause significant functional impairment or distress. These conditions include disorders like borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders.
While many mental health conditions have overlapping symptoms, each condition requires a unique approach to treatment.
How Mental Health Relates to Substance Abuse and Addiction
Mental health conditions can be very challenging to cope with, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness. In an attempt to cope with the struggles caused by their mental health, some people turn to drugs or alcohol–a practice known as “self-medication.” Although substances may temporarily numb painful emotions, substance abuse often worsens mental health symptoms or can cause new symptoms to arise. Mental health and addiction are very closely related. Approximately 10.2 million American adults have a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder, and almost half of people who seek treatment for substance abuse are experiencing a mental illness. Whether the addiction or mental illness came first, it is essential to treat both conditions simultaneously. At Moving Mountains Recovery, our program places an emphasis on mental health, and our therapists are committed to helping each client address the mental health challenges that are standing in the way of a full recovery.
Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey
Our mental health treatment program in New Jersey begins with a comprehensive assessment. A team of physicians and licensed therapists will assess your emotional and psychiatric needs, providing you with a proper diagnosis, if needed, and creating a tailored treatment plan that suits your circumstances. Individualized treatment protocols ensure an effective treatment plan that suits each client. As a result, your treatment may vary based on your assessment and personal needs. Therapies you may participate in include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used behavioral therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve mental health.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
DBT is a specialized form of CBT that emphasizes emotion regulation and interpersonal skills. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like borderline personality disorder.
Emotionally-focused therapy
A therapy that is used to address distress in intimate partner relationships, families, and individuals who may struggle with issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Psychodrama
A therapeutic technique where individuals act out real-life situations or conflicts in a group setting, helping them gain insight into their own mental health and behaviors and improve their ability to resolve emotional issues.
Art and music therapy
These are types of holistic therapy that involve using creative expressions like visual art or music to help individuals explore and communicate their emotions and experiences as part of the therapeutic process.
Adventure therapy
A hands-on approach that incorporates outdoor activities and challenges to promote personal growth, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. Overcoming physical challenges can increase resilience and improve one’s ability to overcome mental obstacles.
Group therapy
A therapist facilitates discussions and activities with a small group of individuals who share similar challenges. Group therapy provides a supportive environment for sharing and learning from others.
One-on-one therapy
Also known as individual therapy, one-on-one therapy sessions involve private sessions between a therapist and a client, allowing for personalized treatment and a focused exploration of the client’s unique mental health needs.
Treatment is offered across multiple levels of care, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient (OP). Before you complete your treatment program, your primary therapist will assist you in creating a thorough aftercare plan that addresses your needs and promotes success in every area of your life.
Our Approach at Moving Mountains Recovery
Our integrated approach to mental health treatment in New Jersey includes individual counseling, group therapy, family support, and access to medical and psychiatric services when necessary. We tailor all of our mental health and addiction treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each person, recognizing that both conditions are deeply personal struggles. By focusing on the whole person and not just the addiction itself, we help individuals regain control of their lives and build a brighter, addiction-free future.
Learn More About Our Mental Health Treatment Programs in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, we’re here to help. To learn more about our New Jersey mental health treatment programs or to get started with a confidential assessment, please reach out to Moving Mountains Recovery.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Mental Health? Retrieved September 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
