Polysubstance Use Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Substance abuse doesn’t always involve just one drug. In fact, many individuals struggle with polysubstance use, meaning they use multiple substances, either at the same time or over the same period. This pattern increases the risks of overdose, unpredictable health effects, and challenges with recovery.

At New Directions, we provide outpatient treatment for polysubstance use disorder that addresses the complexities of using more than one substance, offering personalized care to help you safely begin your recovery journey.

What Is Polysubstance Use?

Polysubstance use occurs when someone uses two or more drugs together or within a short time frame. Sometimes this happens intentionally (mixing substances to enhance effects), while other times it happens unintentionally (switching between substances or using unknowingly contaminated drugs).

Examples of polysubstance use include:

Mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines
Using opioids alongside cocaine or methamphetamine (“speedballing”)
Taking prescription drugs with recreational substances
Using marijuana along with other drugs or alcohol

Polysubstance use increases the risk of:

Overdose and respiratory failure
Heart complications
Liver and kidney damage
Dangerous drug interactions
Mood swings and mental health crises
Accidents, injuries, and risky behaviors

If you recognize these patterns, you may be living with alcohol use disorder, and treatment can help.

Why Does Polysubstance Use Happen?

Alcohol affects both the mind and body. Over time, alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems, including:

Trying to balance or offset the effects of one drug with another
Chasing a stronger or different high
Building tolerance to a single substance over time
Managing withdrawal symptoms between uses
Peer pressure or social situations
Using drugs to cope with physical or emotional pain

At New Directions, we work with you to explore the underlying reasons for substance use and help you build healthier coping strategies.

Signs of Polysubstance Use Disorder

Polysubstance use disorder can be harder to recognize because symptoms overlap with different drugs. Common signs may include:

Mood swings or extreme emotional highs and lows
Changes in energy, alertness, or speech patterns
Frequent intoxication or impairment
Physical health problems like tremors, nausea, headaches
Difficulty keeping up with work, school, or family responsibilities
Memory issues or confusion
Needing more substances to feel effects (tolerance)
Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Using drugs

You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to seek help; the sooner you get support, the safer your recovery can be.

Our Approach to Polysubstance Use Treatment

We understand that recovery from polysubstance use isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer a patient-centered, compassionate approach that meets you where you are.

We also provide dual diagnosis care to address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

Treatment options at New Directions may include:

Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions to explore substance use patterns and build coping strategies
Group Therapy: Therapist-led groups focused on relapse prevention, anger management, stress reduction, and more
Psychoeducation: Learning how different substances affect your body, brain, and mental health
Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT): When appropriate, medications may be used to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms for opioids or alcohol
Peer Recovery Support: Encouragement and guidance from peers who’ve experienced recovery themselves
Family Counseling: Support for loved ones affected by substance use

Why Treatment for Polysubstance Use Is Different

Polysubstance use requires careful medical and therapeutic attention because:

Withdrawal symptoms can be more severe or unpredictable
Drug interactions may complicate detox
Psychological dependence can involve multiple triggers
Relapse prevention plans must consider more than one substance

Our team is trained to help you navigate these complexities safely, providing integrated, evidence-based care.

Flexible & Accessible
Addiction Treatment in Brooklyn

We know that balancing treatment with daily responsibilities can be challenging. That’s why we offer:

Evening and weekend hours

In-person and virtual appointments

Services in both English and Spanish

Medicaid and most major insurance accepted

No matter your schedule or situation, we make it easier to access the care you deserve.

Start Your Recovery Today

With the right support, guidance, and care, recovery from polysubstance use is possible. At New Directions, our compassionate team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more or speak with an intake coordinator.

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

Contact Us (New Directions)