Addiction and Recovery at RWJBarnabas Health

Substance use and addiction are medical issues that require diligent, compassionate treatment. Addiction is not a matter of choice; it is a condition that affects the brain and traps the person with an addiction in a vicious cycle of self-destruction. However, recovery from addiction is possible. By coming to terms with what addiction really is, we can help treat it through behavioral health counseling and medication management.

RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, provides leading addiction recovery care, supporting individuals through every step of their journey towards a healthier, substance-free life.

For 24/7 assistance and support for substance use disorder treatment, call Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care at 844-276-2777.

What Is Addiction?

There is a difference between addiction and substance use disorder. Addiction is the term applied to individuals who have developed a physical and psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. People with an addiction have overconsumed a substance to the point where suddenly cutting themselves off could actually result in physical and mental damage. Substance use disorder is the habitual pattern of using drugs or alcohol even when it causes self-harm.

Types of Addictions We Treat

Our comprehensive care covers a wide range of substance dependencies, including alcohol and drug dependency, prescription drugs (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) and narcotics.

Contributing Factors

Addiction can result from various factors, including:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Environmental influences
  • Stress
  • Trauma

Co-occurring mental health disorders also play significant roles in the development of addictive behaviors.

Addiction Symptoms

Symptoms of addiction can vary but often include:

  • Increased tolerance to substances
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using substances
  • Continued use despite negative consequences

Addiction Diagnosis

A primary care physician, psychiatrist, or qualified mental health professional can diagnose substance use disorders through comprehensive assessments that consider medical history, behavior patterns and the impact on daily life.

Addiction Treatments

Our treatments are tailored to individual needs, incorporating:

  • Behavioral counseling
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Withdrawal management
  • Individual, group, and family therapy

Addiction treatment is a long-term process. People need couns eling and support to overcome their dependency. Behavioral health therapy is crucial in helping the person develop new ways of thinking that work to extinguish the attitudes and habits that led to their condition.

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Addiction Support Services

We offer a range of support services, including:

  • The Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR). A pioneering program in New Jersey dedicated to improving community health through substance use disorder prevention, nicotine treatment and recovery support services while also being the largest provider of hospital-based recovery and tobacco treatment services in the United Sates and New Jersey, respectively. IFPR's mission and vision focus on fostering innovative partnerships and transforming care delivery to create and sustain healthy communities.
  • Peer Recovery Program. This program provides 24/7 recovery support services for people with substance use disorders in emergency and inpatient settings. It uses a team of recovery specialists, patient navigators, case managers, and educators, and is funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
  • Strengthening Families. An innovative, evidence-based program aimed at reducing problematic behaviors and preventing substance abuse among at-risk youth through a comprehensive suite of interventions. This program offers 14 weekly sessions focused on improving family communication, decision-making and coping skills and is available in select New Jersey school districts.
  • Support Team for Addiction Recovery (STAR). This program provides 24/7 holistic recovery support in Essex, Hudson and Middlesex Counties, targeting all eight dimensions of wellness to assist individuals, especially those with opioid use disorder, in achieving comprehensive health and long-term recovery by removing personal barriers and ensuring a seamless transition from various referral sources.

Addiction Prevention and Screening

Prevention is critical to combating addiction. Our programs focus on education, early intervention and screening to identify risks before they evolve into more severe issues.

Compassionate Care at RWJBarnabas Health

If you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction, don’t wait until it’s too late. For additional information about our prevention and recovery services, contact us today.

For 24/7 assistance and support for substance use disorder treatment, call Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care at 844-276-2777.