Drug addiction changes how the brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making, making it harder to stop without structured support. New Convictions Recovery provides confidential, evidence-based counseling for individuals in Highland Park, NJ who are ready to address substance use and build a lasting path toward sobriety.
Individualized Care for Drug Dependence & Co-Occurring Conditions
New Convictions Recovery was founded by Roland Achtau, a licensed clinical social worker with dual master’s degrees from Liberty University and Rutgers University. Our practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and psychotherapy to address the behavioral patterns and psychological factors driving substance use. For clients receiving medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, our counselors work in coordination with prescribing providers to deliver comprehensive care.
Opioid use disorder, stimulant dependence, cannabis misuse, and prescription drug abuse each present unique clinical challenges. Many clients also arrive with co-occurring anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma. Our individualized care plans address the full picture, not just the substance itself.
Recognizing When Help Is Needed
- Inability to stop using despite repeated attempts or promises to quit
- Continued use despite serious health, relationship, or work consequences
- Needing larger amounts over time to achieve the same desired effect
- Withdrawal symptoms and spending most time obtaining or recovering from drugs
- Abandoning responsibilities and using substances to cope with stress or pain
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Effective counseling for drug addiction addresses behavioral patterns, emotional triggers, and the neurological and psychological roots of dependence. All sessions are one-on-one and fully confidential.
| Approach | What It Involves | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Counseling | One-on-one sessions addressing substance use patterns, triggers, and relapse prevention planning. | Fully personalized and strictly confidential. |
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Identifies and restructures thought patterns and behavioral responses that drive drug use. | Builds lasting coping skills and self-regulation. |
| Motivational Interviewing | Collaborative approach that strengthens personal commitment to change and resolves ambivalence about stopping. | Supports sustained motivation at every stage of recovery. |
In Highland Park, NJ, people struggling with drug addiction often face stigma, fear of judgment, and confusion about where to turn for help. A structured counseling program offers a clear path forward through clinical assessment, a personalized treatment plan, and proven strategies that support recovery and help build stable and lasting sobriety.
The Physical and Social Impact
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Americans with a substance use disorder | 48.7 million |
| Those with co-occurring mental health conditions | ~50% |
| Adults with SUD who received treatment in the past year | Less than 20% |
Common Questions About Getting Help
How do I know if I need professional support?
If you have tried to cut back or stop but have been unable to, if drug use is affecting your health, work, or relationships, or if you feel a compulsive need to use to function or cope, a clinical assessment can help clarify where you are and what support is right for you.
Can counseling help if I am currently on medication-assisted treatment?
Yes. Counseling is a core component of medication-assisted treatment programs involving buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone. Our counselors work alongside prescribing providers to deliver coordinated care that addresses both the clinical and psychological dimensions of recovery.
Do I need to stop using before my first session?
No. You can begin counseling at any stage. Our intake process is designed to meet you where you are and build a realistic, individualized plan from there. For clients requiring medical support during withdrawal or detoxification, we can coordinate appropriate referrals.
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Seeking help for drug addiction takes real courage. New Convictions Recovery offers structured, confidential counseling for individuals throughout Highland Park, NJ at every stage of the process. Call today or schedule an appointment online.
Why Choose New Convictions Recovery?
New Convictions Recovery offers guidance from Roland Achtau, a licensed counselor with advanced clinical training and a faith-informed approach to behavioral health. Every care plan is individualized, completely confidential, and built for sustainable, long-term progress.
Northern New Jersey: 121 Rea Avenue, 1st Floor, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 | (973) 963-4656
Central New Jersey: 110 Fieldcrest Ave, 3rd Floor, Edison, NJ 08837 | (732) 838-6942
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide holistic treatment addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions of addiction and behavioral health. We help individuals build healthier patterns, stronger self-regulation, and a sustainable path forward.
Credentials and Professional Qualifications
Roland Achtau holds credentials including LCSW, LCADC, and ICGC-I. Our team brings advanced clinical training and genuine compassion to every client, at every stage of the process.