Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatments

How Prevalent Is Drug & Alcohol Addiction?

Drug and alcohol addiction is highly prevalent throughout the United States and New Jersey. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) collects data on nationwide drug abuse, and the numbers are concerning:

• SUDs affect over 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and over. The most common disorders are related to alcohol, marijuana, and prescription pain relievers.
• Among Americans aged 12 years and older, 47.7 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2023.
• 6% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder, which includes prescription pain relievers and heroin.
• 9 million, or 2.1% of individuals age 12 and over, qualify as having an opioid use disorder.
• Accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death among people under age 45.

In New Jersey specifically, there were 81,217 substance use treatment admissions in 2024, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The primary drug for admissions in 2024 was alcohol, followed by heroin and other opiates. With substance abuse so widespread throughout the U.S. and New Jersey, it’s essential to have accessible, high-quality treatment options.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Drug & Alcohol Addiction?

As every type of addiction is different, the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction will depend on the type of substance used. However, there are some physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms that are common in any substance use disorder. They include:

• Acting secretively
• Having a high tolerance to the substance and needing to use higher doses to get the same effect
• Prioritizing substance use over other responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Having strong urges or cravings to use the substance
• Having financial difficulties due to spending significant money on drugs
• Isolating from friends and family or withdrawing from social activities
• Experiencing noticeable health changes, such as weight fluctuations, skin problems, red eyes, drowsiness, reduced hygiene, etc.
• Experiencing a drastic change in behavior, including mood swings, agitation, irritability, anxiety, etc.
• Having problems with school, work, or relationships

Other signs specific to a certain substance include having track marks or drowsiness from heroin addiction, requesting early refills, or visiting multiple doctors to get new prescriptions for prescription drug addiction, and having facial sores or intense itching from meth addiction. If you notice these signs and symptoms in a loved one, have an open discussion in a non-judgmental manner and encourage them to get professional treatment when they feel ready.

How Is Drug & Alcohol Addiction Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a drug or alcohol addiction involves a comprehensive clinical assessment performed by a medical professional. Rather than simply giving the patient a drug test or toxicology screening, the provider must assess their substance use, behaviors, compulsions, and the effect of the substance on their daily life.

A formal diagnosis generally involves comparing the patient’s behaviors to the standardized substance use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). It features an 11-point checklist, which includes:

• Using the substance in larger amounts or taking it for longer than intended
• Desiring to reduce or stop drug use, but being unable to control it
• Spending a significant amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the use of the substance
• Experiencing cravings and urges to use the substance
• Neglecting duties at work, home, or school because of drug use
• Continuing to use the substance, even when it causes relationship problems
• Withdrawing from social or work-related activities because of drug use
• Using the substance repeatedly, even when it causes dangerous effects
• Continuing to use the substance despite having a physical or psychological problem that may be worsened by it
• Developing a tolerance to the substance and needing to take more to get the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which are often relieved by taking more of the substance

If a patient demonstrates at least 2 of the 11 points within a single 12-month period, they will receive a formal diagnosis of substance use disorder.

What Are the Treatment Options for Drug & Alcohol Addiction?

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we specialize in providing outpatient treatment programs for drug and alcohol addictions. Patients can enroll in one of our 3 levels of care, which include Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient Program (OP). PHP is the highest-level program, which runs for 6 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, while OP is the lowest-level option that runs for 2 to 3 days per week, with an hour of treatment each day. IOP is a middle ground between PHP and OP, running for 3 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week. Each patient in our programs gets a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

Medical Detox Placement

Medical detoxification (detox) is often required at the beginning of addiction treatment, especially for substances that cause strong withdrawal symptoms, such as opioids or benzodiazepines. A patient withdraws from the substance under the care of a medical team, ensuring their side effects are managed properly.

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we don’t provide detox services ourselves. However, we provide referrals to reputable medically supervised detox facilities to provide a full continuum of care and promote a strong start to recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment is also a part of some treatment plans, mainly for opioid and alcohol addictions. MAT combines certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications with behavioral therapies to help treat addiction. These medications include:

• Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder
• Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder

These medications can work in a few ways. Some help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while others limit the rewarding effects of the drug. When combined with behavioral therapies, MAT can help reduce relapse rates and improve recovery outcomes. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we use MAT when clinically appropriate to help provide our patients with the tools they need for maintaining long-term recovery.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies, including individual and group sessions, are a crucial part of substance use treatment. They help patients address the root causes of their addictions, identify triggers, and foster better coping strategies that they can use during recovery. Some of the behavioral therapies we use include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Group therapy
• Family counseling
• Contingency management

Most patients will receive a mix of individual, group, and family sessions to help them get one-on-one and peer support.

Holistic Therapies

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we take a whole-person approach to treating substance use disorders. We believe that a person’s mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and you need to treat the whole being, not just surface-level symptoms. Therefore, we integrate a wide variety of holistic therapies into our treatment plans. They include:

• Yoga
• Breathwork
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Art therapy
• Nutrition therapy

These therapies can help patients restore stability, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and provide helpful coping skills they can use when they get triggered.

What Are the Recovery Expectations for Drug & Alcohol Addiction?

If you have a loved one going through drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important to understand that recovery is a continuous process. It doesn’t start and end with rehab, and there is no set timeline for when someone will “be recovered.” Many people with substance use disorders will relapse at least once. Relapsing is a part of the journey, and it’s better to get sober and relapse than to not get sober at all.

Although relapses are common, there are certain things that people can do to give themselves better chances at lasting recovery. They include taking advantage of available aftercare and relapse prevention resources, such as:

• Attending ongoing individual and group therapy sessions
• Attending support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Participating in life skills and coping strategies training
• Living in sober living environments
• Making new friends who don’t use substances
• Staying away from people or situations that may trigger you to use substances
• Creating a support network, which may include sponsors, therapists, family members, friends, etc.

When a person with a substance use disorder utilizes these resources, they’re more likely to maintain long-term recovery.

Why Choose Rubicon Recovery Center?

Whether you’re seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment for yourself, a family member, or a friend, you want to ensure the facility you choose is reputable, supportive, and capable of providing high-quality treatment. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we take a unique approach to addiction treatment. Instead of trying to fix the symptoms of substance use, we focus on addressing the root causes through holistic and evidence-based treatments.

We also know that addiction and recovery are personal journeys, so we provide tailored treatment plans and compassionate support for every patient. Our specialized team of licensed addiction counselors, therapists, rehab professionals, and support staff has experience in treating all types of SUDs. Each team member is passionate about helping patients achieve lasting recovery. We also partner with semi-private, supportive housing options that have 24/7 staff for patients who need secure places to stay.

Accessibility of addiction treatment is also important at Rubicon Recovery Center. To help make treatment as accessible as possible, we offer financing options and accept most major insurance plans. Our Admissions Department can discuss costs and provide you with a quick and easy insurance verification to determine whether you’re covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses may look like. We accept most major insurance providers. To learn more about why patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York choose Rubicon Recovery Center, explore our patient testimonials.

Find Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near You in NJ, PA, & NY

If you’re ready to get help for a substance use disorder, trust the compassionate team at Rubicon Recovery Center. Through three levels of outpatient treatment programs, evidence-based modalities, and holistic therapies, we help provide whole-person healing for individuals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. To get started, call (908) 274-0015 to speak confidentially with an admissions specialist or get your insurance verified. To learn more about substance use treatment near you in Watchung, NJ, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug & Alcohol Addiction

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic condition in which a person compulsively uses a substance despite negative physical, psychological, or social consequences.

How long does addiction treatment last?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for addiction treatment. The length of treatment will depend on several factors, including:

• The type of program (inpatient, outpatient, PHP, IOP, etc.)
• The severity of the addiction
• Whether the patient has co-occurring mental health disorders
• The treatments used

However, many treatment programs range from several weeks to several months.

Can I recover from addiction without going to rehab?

It’s possible to recover from addiction without going to rehab, but attending professional treatment makes it easier. It gives you the tools and coping strategies you need to sustain lasting recovery.

What is detox, and is it necessary?

Detox is a process of withdrawing from a substance. It’s usually necessary to get the patient off substances before they begin their treatment program. Medically supervised detox ensures that withdrawal symptoms are managed by a healthcare team.

What happens after I complete rehab?

After you complete rehab, you will need to focus on your recovery. It’s important to use aftercare support and resources, including support groups, therapy sessions, sober living homes, and relapse prevention tools.

Are outpatient programs effective for addiction recovery?

Yes, outpatient programs can be effective for addiction recovery. They allow patients to get structured substance use treatment while still managing other responsibilities, such as family life or work. Individuals with severe addictions or co-occurring disorders may need the 24/7 supervision provided by inpatient programs.

How do I know if my loved one has an addiction?

Signs that a loved one may have an addiction include:

• Acting secretively
• Withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities or friend groups
• Having financial difficulties or asking for money
• Experiencing ongoing difficulties with school, work, or relationships
• Noticing health changes, including weight gain or loss, skin problems, drowsiness, reduced hygiene, etc.
• Noticing severe changes in behavior, such as mood swings, irritability, and anxiety

These signs don’t automatically mean an addiction, but they can signal that your loved one is going through something.

How can I support someone going through recovery?

To support someone in recovery, you should:

• Celebrate recovery milestones
• Encourage them to use aftercare support
• Provide emotional support
• Refrain from judgment, especially if a relapse occurs