NJ Connect for Recovery is a free, confidential call line focused on helping families coping with substance use disorders connect to recovery resources through a dedicated staff of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Family Peer Specialists and Public and Private Insurance Navigation Specialists. NJ Connect for Recovery provides real-time support and information including treatment options, ongoing support with follow-up calls, and referrals and access to educational programs and community resources.

Learn More About NJ Connect 4 Recovery Helpline

Three NJ regional Family Support Centers (FSC) provide free individualized and group peer to peer family support services for families in each region whose loved ones suffer from a substance use disorder. FSCs offer direct family support, education, resources and advocacy in a safe and non-stigmatizing environment. The overall goal is to provide compassionate support to empower family members to have a better quality of life, improve their psychological health, reduce levels of stress, feel less isolated, and gain skills needed to cope with their loved one’s use. Families who receive FSC services also receive Naloxone Training and Kits to assist their loved ones at risk of opioid overdose. The services of the Regional Family Support Centers are 100% confidential. Family Support Coordinators are available via phone, test, email, and Zoom for one-on-one sessions and weekly virtual support groups. Here is the contact information for the Family Support Center that covers the counties in each region:

• Northern Region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren Counties)
  CarePlus New Jersey Family Support Center Program
  610 Valley Health Plaza
  Paramus, NJ 07652
  Phone: 201-265-8200
  Psychiatric Emergency: 201-262-4357
  Children’ Mobile: 877-652-7624
  www.careplusnj.org
  
  
• Central Region (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union Counties)
  Prevention Resources Family Support Center Program (Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset)
  4 Walter E. Foran Blvd.
  Flemington, NJ 08822
  Phone: 908-782-3909
  www.njprevent.com
  
  
• Prevention Links Family Support Center Program (Middlesex, Monmouth, Union)
  Rise Up Recovery Center
  121 Chestnut St., STE 104
  Roselle, NJ 07203
  Phone 732-381-4100
  www.preventionlinks.org
  
  
• Southern Region
  Center for Family Services - Family Support Center Program
  584 Benson St.
  Camden, NJ 08103
  Phone: 877-922-2377
  www.centerffs.org

Drug addiction is a complex disease. Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

Learn More About Drug Addiction

Parents: Facts on Teen Drug Use

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, is also part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). NIDA’s mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. NIDA employs experts who have been influential in determining drug addiction as a disease of the brain which helps to increase understanding and minimize stigma.

The National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIAAA is part of the National Institute of Health. NIAAA’s mission is to educate the community about the effects of alcohol so knowledge can be used to improve prevention, treatment and diagnosis of alcohol-related problems. Additional research done by the NIAA includes programs in prevention, treatment, and health services.

Learn More about the Science Behind Drug Use

The New Jersey County Alcohol and Drug Directors are individuals, designated by each county authority, whose primary responsibility is to plan and direct services and programs for the care or treatment of individuals who are using alcohol or other drugs within their respective counties. County directors accomplish these actions by guiding the development and implementation of a four-year county comprehensive plan (CCP). The CCP states the county’s goals and objectives for both the maintenance and development of community prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support services programs for the care or treatment of persons with a substance use disorder. Contact your county to reach your local Alcohol and Drug Director.

List of the New Jersey County Alcohol and Drug Directors

Medicaid provides coverage for substance use disorder treatment services and will completely cover the cost for most substance abuse treatment services for eligible individuals. The Affordable Care Act signed into law in 2010 decreased the number of uninsured Americans by allowing expanded eligibility for Medicaid or by providing affordable health insurance options through the federal health insurance Marketplace. With the ACA, NJ expanded Medicaid eligibility and offered a full array of behavioral health services to all people earning income below 133% Federal Poverty Level, including single adults or childless couples.

Learn more about Financial Eligibility and How to Apply