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ADD and Addiction in New Jersey: Risks & Treatment Options

Written by
On August 1, 2025

Treatment for ADD and Addiction in New Jersey

An ADD/ADHD diagnosis affects thousands in the Garden State every year, with over 100,000 diagnoses reported between 2016-2019.[1] Impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty with focus can push some individuals to drugs or alcohol.

Self-medication like this only seems to slow the racing thoughts, but in reality, it could be making the problem much worse. There’s been a continuous increase in the number of people with dual-diagnosis, with a 40% increase from 2014 to 2019.[2]

When ADD goes untreated, or the symptoms are paired with substance misuse, it dramatically raises the risks for job loss, accidents, and conflict within the household or family. With the correct information about ADD and addiction in New Jersey, you can spot danger in time for early interventions to be their most effective.

The Intersection of ADD and Addiction

For individuals with ADHD, the condition brings a rather unique set of brain chemistry quirks to the table. Firstly, a low baseline dopamine level makes most ordinary tasks boring and tedious, which pushes the individual to encourage thrill-seeking or self-medication.[3]

Substances like alcohol, prescription pain pills, and even cannabis provide a temporary dopamine spike that helps to mask the inattention and restlessness. As this behavior is repeated over time, the brain rewires itself, requiring increasingly higher doses of dopamine to achieve the same level of relief. This pattern is the launchpad for dependency, and it can be the beginning of a substantial struggle for those facing a dual diagnosis of ADD and addiction.

Impulsivity is another vital aspect of ADHD that poses risks. Acting without pause to consider the action means more likely access and acceptance of drugs or alcohol. Environmental factors shouldn’t be ignored either. New Jersey’s dense nightlife and club scenes combine with high-pressure jobs close to NYC, and rapid highway access to several major drug corridors and hotspots accelerate exposure.

Some of the most at-risk populations are adolescents. Studies show teens with untreated ADHD face a risk multiplier when it comes to developing substance-use disorders by adulthood.[4] Adults aren’t spared either, though, and it’s not uncommon for roughly one in five addiction treatment admissions to list a previous ADD or ADHD diagnosis.

Addiction Treatment by Substance

Treating ADD & Addiction with Integrated Treatment Options

The most effective treatment plans for individuals living with ADD and addiction in New Jersey will consist of integrated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary treatment. This should include medical, psychological, and crucial social supports into a cohesive, unified treatment roadmap.[5]

No matter what substance is being used or abused, every recovery journey will start with a thorough, dual-diagnosis evaluation. Clinicians review records from school or work, along with prescription history, substance use patterns, and screenings for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Your assessment is the foundation of your initial treatment plan. There should be no symptom left unaddressed to achieve long-term recovery.

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies

Medication can handle the chemistry imbalances behind many mental health conditions, but that still leaves behavior patterns that need to be corrected. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely used modality that teaches clients to break down tasks into smaller chunks, set timers, and recognize and challenge incorrect thoughts. When they realize thoughts like “I worked hard this week, I deserve a little party” or “I can’t focus unless I have a drink,” they can work to challenge those thoughts.

Dialectical behavior therapy adds emotional regulation skill-building that is perfect for curbing impulsive moments that bring relapse closer than ever.[6] These skills labs cover organization hacks, distraction controls, and general mindfulness exercises that help ground and focus restless minds. Clinicians will often also use motivational interviewing to cultivate more profound individual commitment to recovery.

Counseling typically occurs in a one-on-one setting, with skills modules conducted in small peer groups. Additionally, gender-specific discussion groups, group therapy, and family therapy may be held at various times. ADHD can fray household routines while addiction erodes trust, so involving loved ones in treatment is critical. Family sessions teach what dopamine deficits feel like, why late bills or missed chores are symptom-driven, and how to set boundaries around substance use without shaming.

Medication Management & Ongoing ADHD Care

When it comes to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it’s not uncommon to lean on medications like acamprosate or buprenorphine to be layered in without disrupting ADHD symptom control.[7] By scheduling consistent follow-up visits every 2-4 weeks to track blood pressure, sleep quality, appetite, and overall side effects, doses can be maintained rather than become destabilizing.

Peer groups like Dual Recovery Anonymous or SMART Recovery for ADD and addiction give ongoing accountability and a platform to trade focus hacks, job strategies, and healthy dopamine boosts such as exercise or creative hobbies. Alumni clubs, meetings, or follow-up video calls can be great ways to stay in touch with people who were by your side during your treatment, often creating a powerful bond.

Explore Additional Specialty Treatments

Ikon provides a strong list of additional specialty treatments to customize your treatment journey :

Executive Program
Vivitrol Treatment
Aftercare
Trauma-Informed Care
Dual Diagnosis
Recovery Capital
Alumni Services
Sober Living

Levels of Care For ADD and Addiction in New Jersey

Detox Placement

Medical detox is typically the first stage for those entering drug or alcohol rehab in New Jersey. This is particularly important for those being treated for alcohol, opioid, or benzodiazepine addictions, the withdrawals from which can be dangerous, even deadly. Here, clients get around-the-clock monitoring and medication to help soften withdrawals and curb cravings.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization programs, also known as PHPs or “day programs,” are a similar level of care as residential, except that clients return home each evening. They spend 5 days a week at treatment, for about 6 hours per day.

Intensive Outpatient

An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, reduces the number of visits per week to about 3 and the duration of each visit to as little as 2 hours. This maintains a consistent structure while still allowing clients to work, attend school, or care for their families.

Outpatient Treatment

Following IOP, the number of visits can be reduced to just one a week, which is a conventional outpatient treatment schedule. Outpatient treatment allows for continued check-ins and support throughout recovery.

Find the Right Treatment for Your ADD and Addiction in New Jersey

The results of substance abuse can be isolating, and adding ADHD to the pile can add new layers of frustration and symptom complexity. To truly understand and treat the whole person, it’s essential to use integrated healthcare solutions. Working with a local dual-diagnosis leader can help you combine medication, skills coaching, and craving and symptom management into a single, cohesive plan that fits your life. Reach out today for your confidential assessment, and unify your struggles into a focused and sustainable recovery effort.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ADD & Addiction In New Jersey

Can stimulant meds make addiction worse?

When prescribed and monitored, stimulants prescribed for ADHD treatment reduce impulsive actions by improving focus and routine. The risk of abuse decreases when doses are taken exactly as directed.

How long does integrated treatment usually last?

That’s going to depend heavily on the individual, but generally speaking, most people spend three to six months stepping from inpatient or PHP into IOP and weekly outpatient. Ongoing medical checks and peer groups help maintain steady progress afterward.

Is telehealth effective for ADD and addiction?

In most cases, yes. Virtual therapy and medication follow-ups maintain accountability, reduce travel stress, and allow you to practice skills in your real environment. All of which are key advantages for overcoming attention challenges and strengthening relapse prevention.

Sources

[1] Danielson, M. L., Holbrook, J. R., Bitsko, R. H., Newsome, K., Charania, S. N., McCord, R. F., Kogan, M. D., & Blumberg, S. J. (2022). State-Level Estimates of the prevalence of Parent-Reported ADHD diagnosis and Treatment among U.S. children and Adolescents, 2016 to 2019. Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(13), 1685–1697. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221099961 

[2] Sinclair Hancq, E., South, K., Vencel, M., & Treatment Advocacy Center. (2021). DUAL DIAGNOSIS: Serious mental Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders. https://www.tac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dual-Diagnosis.pdf 

[3] ADDA Editorial Team (2025, April 17). How Dopamine influences ADHD symptoms and treatment. ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association. https://add.org/adhd-dopamine/ 

[4] Srichawla, B. S., Telles, C. C., Schweitzer, M., & Darwish, B. (2022, April 12). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorder: A narrative review. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9097465/ 

[5] Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. P. (2016, September 29). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Substance abuse and rehabilitation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5047716/ 

[6] Dimeff, L. A., & Linehan, M. M. (2008, June). Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addiction science & clinical practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2797106/ 

[7] Molero, Y., Zetterqvist, J., Binswanger, I. A., Hellner, C., Larsson, H., & Fazel, S. (2018). Medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders and risk of suicidal behavior, accidental overdoses, and crime. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(10), 970–978. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17101112